#chmergatroyd fanfics

[sarahjane0886]

Begin Again 11

Chapter 11

"How would you two like to take Louis for a walk?" Maks asked Lottie and Maverick. The group had just finished dinner and now they were trying to leave Sharna & Noah alone.

"We see the ducks?" Lottie asked.

"I think we might, we'll have to look for them." Maks said as her face lit up.

"I come too?" Maverick asked.

"I think so, huh Lottie?"

"Yes, Mav come with us."

"What about us?" Noah asked.

"Well, how about Maks and I just take the kids?" Peta suggested.

"I, umm, might wanna talk to  you for a bit." Sharna murmured softly. Noah had noticed that she was extremely quiet the entire night. He had planned on trying to talk to her as well but hadn't wanted to push the issue while everyone was around.

"Okay, you good with going with Uncle Maks and Miss Peta, Mav?" He said lifting his arm and letting it rest on Sharna's shoulders.

"Yes, I haves fun." He said coming and hugging Noah's legs, then Sharna's before heading back to Maks and Peta. "Bye daddy, Bye Sha-na."

"Bye buddy, be good." They both said laughing. They got the Lottie & Maverick's shoes on and then headed out, leaving Sharna and Noah alone.

"You okay?" Noah asked once he was certain they were alone.

"Uh huh." Sharna's head shook back and forth as pulled her knees up. He thought she was going to pull away but she tipped into his body, her knees resting on his thighs while her head was on his shoulder.

"You want to talk about it?" He said as his hand dropped to her back and rubbed it softly.

"In a minute." She said softly finally feeling a sense of calm settle over her. She suddenly knew what Peta had meant when she had said to talk to Noah. If Noah could fix it, then it would mean a lot. And this, just having him beside her, was speaking volumes to her.

"Alright." He said as she pulled her in a little closer. He found her hand and squeezed it gently. She closed her eyes and breathed him in while she tried to sort out what she needed to say and do.

"Mav, asked me to not leave him today, and I told him I wouldn't, but I realized I was lying to him. And then all of this suddenly became huge to me."

"Well was he talking about the daycare or was he talking about more?" Noah asked gently, not wanting to discount her feelings or thoughts.

"The daycare, for sure, but at the same time it just clicked for me. I love him Noah. I already love him. And I don't want to leave him. I don't want to leave you."

"Sharna.."

"I know. That's what gets me. It's huge, and it's crazy. I can't just move halfway across the county to potentially date a man that I just met a little over a week ago."

"It's definitely huge, that's for sure."

"Yeah, and then my head spins. There's so many what ifs and what abouts that are mixed in that I just don't know. I don't know what to do. I panic. I feel it coming hard. He fell asleep on me this afternoon when they took their naps. And his arms around my neck, it felt so different. It's like he was afraid to let go. And that's when it really set in. Peta told me to talk to you and see what happened, but I don't even know what to talk about Noah. I don't think this is a fix it situation. I just have to make a decision." She said as she started to pull away from him but stopped realizing she didn't want to move away from his body.

"Hey, look at me for a second. You don't have to move but, just for a minute." He coaxed her. He could feel her hesitation when she started to pull away and quite frankly he didn't want to let her go either. This conversation was filling him with such anxiety as well and having her within reach was settling.

"Better?" She said as she tried to shift up so she could see his face. She couldn't get herself situated though and squirmed around a bit.

"Wait, will you lay down with me?" Noah finally asked realizing that neither of them were comfortable. She nodded and let go of him long enough for him to lay down and then pull her with him. Peta's couch wasn't that big so their bodies were pressed together but their faces were even.

"This I can deal with. Sorry, I just feel safer with you. The pieces that are so scary, seem to be less scary."  She whispered.

"So do I, so don't apologize. You were right, this conversation makes me want to vomit honestly. But I think we need to have it, sooner, rather than later." He said reaching up and tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.

"Why does it make you want to vomit?" She asked as she slithered a little closer to him if that was even possible. She suddenly needed to hear things from his perspective.

"I never thought I would be dealing with this again. When Kinsley left Maverick and I, I swore off women with the exception of those in my family. I promised that I would never let that happen again. I know I talked about this with you some already but I think you need to hear it all. Kinsley and I were together for 6 years. We met at the end of college and got together with the help of a few friends we had in common. From then on out, you might as well of called us Barbie and Ken. We were together always, we were happy, we were in love. I thought she was my forever. We got engaged on the anniversary of our 6th year. The day after was the day she found out she was pregnant. From that point on things changed, she stayed at work later, she kept her distance from me in the house, the closer she got to the end the more closed off she got. We fought some but I tried my hardest to not because I didnt want to work her up. Well one day close to the end of the pregnancy, I got a call from Kinsley's mom, she said that Kinsley had Mav and that she was signing away her rights along with giving back my engagement ring. That was basically it. She didn't clue me in, she didn't let me have my say, she just left us. It was rough. I immediately went to the hospital and the nurses let me see Mav. He was so tiny but so gorgeous that I immediately fell in love. There was no other thought than to raise him myself. Some people asked if I was going to give him up but I couldn't, I wouldn't. He's my world and I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Noah..." Sharna said softly. While he had been talking, his eyes had filled with tears numerous times. He collected himself each time and continued on with explaining to her. She knew it wasn't the whole story but what he had told her was huge.

"But so, that's why, I said no. Never again. But then you came and it was like a moth to a flame almost. But I wasn't getting burnt. And I wasn't panicking. And that may have scared me even more than when I did panic. And then I would remember that you were forever away and leaving in less than 20 days. And then I would think, this is stupid, I'm putting myself at risk of getting hurt and I'm putting Mav at risk of getting hurt but something in me, my gut said, it's gonna be okay."

"And has it been?" She asked softly.

"So far. I'm scared of you leaving, I'm scared of losing this calm you bring me but at the same time, I don't want to let it go." He said. He hesitated for a second but leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers kissing her softly. She returned the kiss and then slithered down and curled into him tightly.

"I'm afraid if I move here that we're going to implode and then I'll look like an idiot." She said into his chest.

"You're not going to look like an idiot. I can't promise that this will be all peaches and cream but I can promise that I won't just give up."

"I wouldn't either. And I wouldn't even think of this if I wasn't serious about it mainly because Maverick is already involved so I wouldn't want to hurt him. I mean I don't want to hurt you either but at the same time, we're adults. We make our own decisions, he's just gonna get caught in the fall if that occurs."

"I agree. And honestly, he's part of why I hesitated so much at first, even those first few days. I knew I liked you. I knew I felt something different that I didn't feel with Kinsley, it was more real, more honest, more concrete. But at the same time, I had Maverick, so I really had to weigh my thoughts and feelings when it came to you both. But there was this nagging feeling in the back of my head that said, it'll be alright."

"I feel that way too. I think my own insecurities take over though and out ride that voice that says this is what is right. Noah, if you'd have asked me a year ago, heck a month ago, if I was ready to settle down with someone who had a kid, I would have laughed in your face. I was always on the go. Traveling for work, going out, having a good time, whatever you thought of I probably did it. I didn't date anyone for long periods of time, no I wasn't out dating everyone but I was careful, I had more friends than I had boyfriends. I kept things platonic because I wasn't ready but just like you said, when I met you, there was something that said, maybe this is what you want. And then more time I spend with you and Maverick and everyone else, the more this feels better than the life I was living. This, right here, this is the life I want. I want to put Maverick to bed and then curl up with you. I want adventures to consist of going to the aquarium or movies. I want to see Maverick enjoy new things. I want to explore things with us as a couple. I want that. Originally I was afraid I wanted something new but yesterday, I had a friend call and ask if I wanted to go down to Puerto Rico when I came back. She had to go for a long weekend and she wanted a buddy to go with her. My immediate thought wasn't my old instinct to say yes, my immediate thought was well if I do go back, I need to be able to talk to Noah and Maverick. I need to figure things out so I can't go. I don't want to go."

"I don't want you to stop living your life for us." Noah said his mind immediately spinning to Kinsley.

"I'm not. I've had more than enough opportunities to live my life. I've had adventures on my own, now I want someone and a family to share them with. I want to share them with you." She said softly.

"So what comes next?" Noah asked accepting her answer. The way that she said it and looked at him at the same time, he knew she was serious. He knew she had thought it through and wasn't just looking for the next big adventure.

"I figure out if I can relocate. Well not if, but I figure out how. There's a lot of stuff that would need to be done. My job, my apartment, my puppies. This isn't going to be quick Noah." She said as she could feel her head begin to spin on a new handful of things.

"I know, but as long as we have something to look forward to, we can do it. There's Facetime, and calls and texting."

"You're sure, this is what you want?" She asked suddenly needed to hear him say that he wanted it. They had talked around it and about it but neither had straightforward said, I want this.

"I want this. I'm sure. Even if it explodes, I want this. We'll never know how great it could be if we don't try. And you want this too right?" He asked as his fingers ran through her hair.

"More than anything, I want this." She said as she finally pulled away and shimmied up the sofa to look at him, she leaned forward, pressing her lips to his as they kissed for quite sometime. There were interrupted but two little voices however.

"Ewwwww! Kissing!" Maverick and Lottie shrieked from the doorway as Maks and Peta looked on.

"What do you mean ewww? We kiss you guys!" Noah said, sitting him and Sharna up and moving to grab the two. he began to tickle them relentlessly as they shrieked in amusement. Peta smiled before looking over at Sharna to see how she was doing.

"You okay?" She mouthed silently. Sharna's head nodded in response before she joined in on the ticklefest too.

*That's a wrap! Next part will be more Chmergs, promise! Enjoy peeps, don't forget to like it up and let me know what you think. This one was a bit shorter but the next part will be a continuation of the night and I kinda want to keep the couples separate. Thanks for all your love and support, love you guys! xoxox

#Maksim Chmerkovskiy #peta murgatroyd #peta and sharna #maks and peta #Noah Galloway #noah and sharna #chmergatroyd #shway #chmergatroyd fanfiction #shway fanfiction #Lottie #begin again #alternate universe #Chattanooga #sarahs stories #chmergs #chmergatroyd fanfics

[sarahjane0886]

Begin Again 10

“I’m honestly worried about how this is going to go down.” Peta said the morning they were taking Lottie to the daycare to explore. It was officially Sharna’s second week with them and that meant they really had to begin prepping for when she would no longer be with them.

“I know babe, I think we just gotta see how she does. At least she’ll have Maverick there and that may help a lot more than we realize.” Sharna said as she watched her best friend.

“I’m just glad you’re here for this. I don’t think I’m ready to be away from her any more than I think she’s ready to be away from me.”

“I know babe, I’m here for you both.”

“Thanks, I guess now that we’re ready I need to get this munchkin up and we can get her ready.” Peta said with a sigh. She and Sharna had woken up earlier than usual to get ready for the adventure.

“Let’s just make it an adventure. That may help.” Sharna suggested as she followed Peta into her nieces bedroom. Peta nodded and moved over to Lottie’s crib. She also realized that was another thing she was going to have to switch soon. Lottie needed to transition to a toddler bed at some point.

“Hey sweet girl, it’s time to get up. We have some exciting things we have to do today.” Peta said as she moved Lottie’s curls out of her face. She usually tried to pull her long brown locks into a ponytail before bedtime but more often than not, it was still a disaster in the morning.

“No momma, seeps more.” Lottie grumbled. Peta laughed slightly, Lottie was much like her father in the waking up regards. It wasn’t that they weren’t morning people, they just didn’t like to be woken up before they were ready.

“I know sugar but we have to go explore somewhere new. Aunt Sharna is going to do your hair pretty and we’re gonna see Maverick.” Peta offered. Lottie groaned and held her arms out to her mother.

“Hi munchkin, good morning.” Sharna said as she rubbed her back.

“No.” Lottie whimpered and buried into Peta.

“Alright baby, I know you’re grumpy because I woke you up. Let’s just sit in the rocker for a little bit until you’re all the way awake.”

“Lily.” Lottie said through her whines.

“Here munchkin. Lily is right here.” Sharna said slipping the kitten into her niece’s arms. Peta settled in the rocker with her while Sharna took a seat on the floor. They sat there in silence letting Lottie wake up. At one point both girls were certain Lottie had fallen back asleep but were met with the Lottie’s voice.

“Mav?” She asked as she picked her head up from Peta and looked between her mom and aunt.

“Yeah, we’re going to see his school and where he plays while his daddy is at work.” Peta said.

“Oh.” She said before dropping back into Peta who shrugged at Sharna’s grin.

“Toast?” Lottie asked in a few more minutes.

“We were going to take you to get a donut instead sugar. Do you want to do that?” Peta asked laughing already at the speed in which Lottie sat up and looked at her mother.

“Yes peas! Donuts for beasfeast?” Lottie asked.

“Yup, you just have to go potty and then we’ll get you dressed and do your hair. Aunt Sharna and I are already ready.”

“Tay, be back. Potty time.” Lottie said taking off from the room. Peta laughed and shook her head before standing up and grabbing the dress she had bought Lottie for today. It was a blue denim dress with little white accents. She had brown sandals and Sharna was going to braid her hair almost like Elsa’s side braid.

“You okay?” Sharna asked as Peta settled on the floor next to her. She had seen the looks of reservation cross on Peta’s face.

“Yeah, I just, her fit. And then I had to remind myself to not project my worries on her cause that’s not fair.”

“Right.”

“I back. I ready!” Lottie said as she came back in ready and raring to go. Peta helped her change quickly and then Sharna did her hair as fast as possible. They took a few pictures since her outfit came out so cute. Then they headed to the coffee shop.

“I get spinkles?” Lottie asked from her place on Sharna’s hip.

“You can get sprinkles sugar. Do you want white or chocolate with sprinkles?”

“Chocolate peas.”

“Milk or Juice?”

“Apple juice.” She decided. Peta had pretty much known what her order would be but like all toddlers, it easier to give them choices and responsibility.

“Alright sugar.” Peta said tickling her before putting in their order. She and Sharna opted to share a piece of banana nut bread with their coffee. Lottie stayed in Sharna’s lap for her breakfast and managed to actually not make too much of a mess.

“Mav now?” Lottie asked once they cleaned her up and headed back out on the road.

“Yeah, we’re going to see Mav now. And all his friends okay?” Peta said. Lottie nodded in response and went off into her own little world as she danced to the music playing in the car. They got to the daycare pretty quickly and Peta parked the car.

“Noah!” Lottie yelled as she saw Maverick’s dad leaving the daycare. He must have just dropped Maverick off.

“That is Noah sugar. You wanna tell him hi?” Peta asked.

“Yes, peas.” She said as she let Peta help her out of the car. Noah heard the little girl yell for him and seen the ladies as well so he was already heading towards their car.

“Hey you.” He said giving Sharna a hug as Lottie tackled his legs.

“Hey. Nice surprise.” She said as she enjoyed his hug a little longer than usual.

“Hey miss Lottie, Peta.” Noah said as he scooped up the little girl and tickled her making her giggle.

“I pay Mav Noah.” She said proudly.

“You’re going to go play with Maverick. Aww, I have to go to work. Will you play some for me too?” He asked her.

“Yes, yes. With blocks? And Toys.” She promised.

“Good. You have fun in there. Maverick will show you his friends.” Noah said. He caught sight of Peta’s face and realized she was more nervous than letting on. He decided he needed to talk to his new friend before she went in the building. “Can I have a minute with your mommy?”

“Yes, bye Noah.” She said giving him a kiss on her cheek.

“Bye Lottie, you have fun. Play some for me remember?” He handed her to Sharna who hugged him as well and then headed towards the building talking to Lottie.

“Hey, look at me.” Noah said softly once the two were gone. She looked at him and he could see everything he had felt when he put Maverick in daycare for the first time. Initially he worked from home as long as he could and then when he couldn’t his family stepped in. Eventually it became too much and they had to make the transition. Initially it was rough, but it eventually settled.

“Yeah.” She said weakly.

“Breathe. The more nervous you are, the more nervous she’s going to be. She picks up on that. I know you’re scared and you don’t want to let her go. And you’re afraid she’s going to need you and she does and will but it’ll be okay. The first few weeks may be hard. It’s an adjustment especially because from what I understand she’s never done it but she’ll get there. She’s a great kid and she has lots of support from you, Sharna, Maks, Mav and me. While us last three have only been around for a little bit, we’re still here. Just trust yourself. You have to trust that you know what’s best for her, even when you don’t think you do. It’ll make all the difference.”

“Thank you.” She said softly as he reached forward and hugged her. His pep talked had helped some. She knew that as much of this was going to be an adjustment on Lottie, it would be an adjustment on her as well. And a lot of it was she was second guessing her decisions but she also knew that she had to make some of these decisions, like going back to work. And she evened that out some by choosing a daycare that had someone she knew there and came with great recommendations.

“Anytime. And I know our situations are very different but similar at the same time so anytime you need to bounce things off someone who you feel may understand more or even to vent. Even if you think it’s not something I understand, you can always call or text.” He said hitting a huge nail on the head. She just needed someone who understood sometimes.

“Thank you.” She said again before letting him go. There wasn’t much else to say other than that. His whole pep talk had been exactly what she needed to hear right then and there.

“Keep me posted on how it goes. I’m slightly worried about how Mav is going to do seeing Shar and then her leaving.” Noah said gaining the same look as Peta had earlier.

“Well, what’s your opinion on him coming with us if he freaks out?” Peta suggested. She didn’t mind keeping the little one for the day.

“Peta, I can’t ask you to do that.” He said although she could clearly see that it got his wheels turning.

“Noah, you’d do it for us. You know you would. And we’re just taking Lottie to the park and then lunch after. They’ll wear each other out and then nap at the house. You can pick him up after.” She suggested.

“Only if he freaks out.” Noah said not wanting to just ship his kid off to someone else.

“Only if he freaks out.” Peta conceded.

“Alright, wait, now I gotta go add you to the pick-up list. Or else they won’t let him go with you. Speaking of, if you want, not overstepping but if you want me on Lottie’s you can add me. That way you have a backup incase anything ever happens. And I’d suggest adding Maks and Shar as well.”

“Good idea. They send all that paperwork home with me right?”

“Yeah, today, you’ll just talk, find everything out, meet the teachers, and everything like that. It’s more to see how you feel. I mean they’ll talk to you some but not make you do all the paperwork and everything.”

“Okay good.” Peta said as they reached Lottie and Sharna.

“Noah!” Lottie said as he ruffled her hair. He had become like the fun playful uncle to her. Teasing and goofing off with her all the time. She loved it.

“You staying with us?” Sharna said with a wink.

“No, but I am going to add Peta…and well, this is forward, would you mind if I added you to Mav’s pickup list?”

“Oh my goodness no. I would love that.”

“Thank you. I’m going to add you both now just in case he freaks out when you leave. That way he can go with you.”

“Aww, you should just let us take him anyways. We don’t want to upset my buddy.” Sharna said.

“I tried already.” Peta said.

“Noah….just think then you get to see us at the end of the day.”

“And by us, she means her.” Peta teased.

“I did not say that.” Sharna said with a look.

“You meant it but she’s right.”

“Fine, oh my, are you sure you two don’t mind?” Noah said laughing at their exchange. He definitely did not mind seeing Sharna at the end of the day that was for sure.

“No!” They both yelled at him. Lottie giggled not really sure what was going on with the adults in her life at the moment but clearly enjoying it.

“Alright, let’s go, since we’re awkwardly standing outside the door now.” Noah said shaking his head. He punched in his pin code to let him into the lobby and the girls went with him. The secretary was waiting and took their information. She paged for someone from who would be in Lottie’s classroom to come meet Peta and Sharna after adding them to Noah’s list and marking that Mav would be going with them.

“Hi, I’m Miss Emily.” A brown haired lady said as she met them at the doorway. The daycare was a bigger one that had different rooms for the different age groups as well as a gym, library, and play area.

“Hi, I’m Peta Kingston. This is my friend Sharna Burgess. And this here is my daughter Charlotte, or most call her Lottie. Can you say hi sugar?” Peta asked Lottie as she reached for her mother at the new person. Peta took her and rubbed her back trying to get her to say hello but Lottie wasn’t budging.

“It’s okay, we’re all a little shy. So Lottie is going to be joining us here in the future correct?”

“That’s what we’re deciding today. You came highly recommended from a family friend whose son is here. So we’re pretty much going with a yes but we wanted to check things out first, see how Lottie feels.”

“Understandable, do you mind me asking who the recommendation came from?”

“Not at all, in fact, his son is actually going to come with us when we go, he just turned it in with the secretary. It was from Noah Galloway and his son Maverick.”

“Oh, yes, Maverick is such a sweetheart. He’s the best helper. And Noah is a great dad.” Emily said as she led them back to the classroom.

“They are.” Peta said nearly laughing as Sharna glared at the girl. She nudged her friend and pointed to the engagement ring on the girl’s hand. Sharna smirked and nodded her head settling some.

“Alright, so this is our classroom. We have different centers for different types of play. In the back we have our lunch/eating area as well as the nap area. It’s basically the same room, we just move the tables for nap. But so this is where Lottie would be. We have a schedule we try to follow each day. It’s not too strenuous because they are 2 – 3 year olds however; it’s enough that gives them structure.”

“I like that, it’s kind of how we do things at home as well. She has times for everything unless something is going on. And we try to stick to that schedule daily.”

“Right, if we go over something 10 – 15 minutes, it’s not a big deal but we try to maintain the norm. We do tend to be pretty strict with nap just because we don’t want to mess your evenings up. “

“That’s perfect cause she’s usually a holy terror if she naps too long.”

“Exactly, we get it on the other end because we know if they don’t sleep well through the evening we are getting them in a crabby state on our end. So we want to keep everyone happy. So this is our sign in station. We would have you punch Lottie in each morning and then punch her out at the end of the day. Our calender and lunch menu are posted here as well as any additional news. Lunches are pretty simple, you can either opt to have her eat with us or send in a lunch for her.”

“Do you deal with allergies?” Peta asked.

“Of course, does she have any?”

“Not at the moment, and I’m hoping it stays that way but I’m allergic to nuts and they had told us since mine was so severe that she could potentially acquire it at some point. Additionally, we don’t have them in our house since I’m allergic so it would be somewhere like here that she would have it.”

“I understand. We don’t have anyone at this point that has an nut allergy however we have in the past and all of us have been trained to watch for the signs and symptoms. Each room has their own set teacher and assistant teacher however the aides get assigned to different rooms each month. So to ensure nothing like that is missed we go through a variety of First Aid and medical classes.” Emily explained.

“Sha’na!” A little voice yelled as Maverick finally saw the group coming into the room. He abandoned his toy castle and charged at Sharna’s legs. She caught him easily and scooped him up.

“Hi little man, are you having a good day?” She said as he hugged her tightly.

“Yes, I miss you yesday.” He said as she snuggled into her neck. The groups hadn’t gotten together the day before since Noah had dinner with his family.

“Ohh, I missed you too. Look, we brought Lottie so she can meet everyone. She’s probably going to start coming and playing with you.” Sharna said as she rubbed his back.

“Lottie, you come pay?” Maverick asked. Lottie looked between Peta and Sharna, and Maverick before nodding her head slightly.

“Is that okay?” Peta asked Emily before letting Lottie go.

“Definitely, if you wanna stay with me, I’ll keep going over everything with you and show you all the paperwork if you decide to put her in here.”

“I can stay with her Pete.” Sharna said holding out her other arm for Lottie.

“Okay baby, go with Aunt Sharna and have fun.” Peta said as she switched Lottie over to Sharna’s arm. She set both kids on the floor and let Mav show them where to play and what to do. They spent the next 30 minutes playing with some other kids at a table full of small bins of little blocks to stack, links to make chains, puzzles, beads. Sharna also met one of the aides, Alyse, who Lottie took a liking to almost immediately. Maverick decided that he was good on the daycare front and glued to Sharna.

“You guys having fun?” Emily asked as Peta appeared. Maverick nodded his head and kept focusing on the chain necklace he was making however Lottie scrambled off Alyse’s lap and bolted for Peta.

“Momma.” She said holding her hands up.

“What’s wrong sugar? You looked like you were having fun.” Peta said as she rubbed Lottie’s back.

“I want you.” She murmured as she buried into Peta.

“I’m right here baby. We’re going to go to the park now though, are you ready to go?”

“No leave me!” Maverick yelped latching onto Sharna.

“Whoa little man, we aren’t leaving you. Daddy said you can go with us if you want.” Sharna said rubbing his back.

“Stay wif you and wottie? Daddy come too?”

“No, daddy’s not coming now but he’s going to come after work and pick you up. We’re going to take Lottie to the park to play and then to lunch. That sound like fun?” Sharna asked as she stood up, keeping the little boy on her hip.

“Yes, you no go ways.” Maverick said into her neck making Sharna’s heart break at his words, knowing that in two weeks, she was going away.

“I’m not buddy. Come on, let’s get your stuff.” She said as she looked at Emily for assistance. Emily lead them to the cubbies and helped Sharna gather everything. Peta looked on while letting Lottie cuddle into her as well. Poor kids were all confused.

“I think we’re ready.” Sharna said after Emily showed her how to check Maverick out.

“Alrighty, we got to grab Lottie’s paperwork from the front desk then we can go.” She said as they headed out. She stopped and spoke to the secretary and got all the paperwork for Lottie. She had gone over it with Emily but she needed to get the actual documents to fill out herself.

“To the park!” Sharna said tickling Maverick who had settled once he realized he really was leaving with them.

“Park swings!” Lottie cheered too. She had relaxed after being with Peta for a bit but was still clinging to her mother. Both girls got their respective kids hooked into car seats. Noah had realized right before leaving that they’d need Mav’s and had unlocked Peta’s car to hook it in.

“Yay, let’s go!” Maverick said. The group set out to the park where the kids played for an hour or so before they all headed to lunch at Jimmy John’s. Once they were home, they let them watch a movie before setting naptime in place. Lottie fell asleep tucked into Peta’s hip while Maverick fell asleep buried into Sharna’s chest, his hand holding her onto her hair tightly. They sat their quietly, both of their heads spinning on different things.

“Hey, you okay?” Peta said as she noticed Sharna’s eyes filling with tears.

“I….” Sharna tried to start but realized that if she started talking she was going to sob onto poor Maverick’s head. She shook her head intensely instead letting Peta know that she wasn’t really all that okay.

“What’s wrong?” Peta asked shifting Lottie to a pillow and moving closer to her best friend.

“He said he doesn’t want me to go away.” Sharna said softly.

“Babe.”

“And I told him I wasn’t because we were at the daycare and he was scared cause he thought we were leaving him there but I know it’s more than that. Peta, this isn’t fair to him. This isn’t fair to me or Noah. And the worst part is, this isn’t even a this yet. We’re just seeing and my head is spinning on all of it.” She said as she reached up and wiped away some of the tears that had inevitably started to slip down her cheek.”

“Shar, I know, I get it, it’s not but you can’t just skip it because it may never work. You’re open to the idea of moving so that’s a huge thing already. It’s not like neither of you can relocate. And if you relocate here, you have me and Lottie as well as Maks. You wouldn’t be alone.”

“But that feels like a huge commitment and so scary. It’s like saying this is seriously what I want.”

“Is it?”

“I…I don’t know. I think. I never dreamed this would be me Peta. Never. I thought I would find someone eventually and start a family but I was always the wilder of the two of us. Not ready to settle, not ready to let loose. And I honestly pictured myself finding someone like me, who wants to adventure before having kids. I would be giving all that up. I would be walking into a readymade family.”

“But is that something that feels right?” Peta asked gently.

“I think….this, this feels right. Holding him, picking him up from daycare, sitting at the park watching the movie. Holding hands. It all feels right. But then I think is it because it is right? Or because I need to fulfill that within myself.”

“I think that’s part of where you have to try and figure out if that’s what it is or isn’t.”

“How do I try from thousands of miles away?”

“I think that’s where you have to look into your heart and see. You have to decide the next step.”

“If I want to move here or not?”

“I guess, I mean, or you decide to go back permanently and see how it goes from a distance. But you already discussed moving here. You said you were ready to get away from the hustle that is LA so maybe remember that too. Maybe this is just right for you and that’s why all this is falling into place.”

“I guess. I don’t know. I just…fix it.” Sharna said helplessly.

“That’s not something I can do babe. Why don’t you talk to Noah tonight? See if that helps any. I can watch Mav. Maybe you guys can go for a walk or something.”

“How is that going to help?” Sharna said looking at her confused. How was talking to part of the problem going to fix the actual problem?”

“Well, that’s going to be part of what fixes it. See how it goes. Just trust me on this one. Talk to Noah, see if that helps. And then go from there.”

“Uhh…..okay.” Sharna relented.

“Text him and invite him for dinner. Tell him to go get changed out of work clothes and then ask him for dinner. I’ll ask Maks so it’s not like we’re cornering him, not that you were or we were but you know.”

“And you just wanna see Maks too.” Sharna said finally finding something to get the edge off herself at the moment.

“Shush, this is about you girlie. Text your boy.” Peta said as she reached for her phone and texted Maks, explaining some of the situation and what they needed. He agreed immediately telling Peta that Noah had almost the same panic attack the night before. Apparently Maverick had wanted Sharna at bedtime and it settled on Noah just how serious this could get with not only their hearts involved but Maverick’s as well.

“Noah is good. He said he’ll be here after 5 and to let him know what we want for dinner. He’s picking it up since we kept Maverick. I tried to argue and it didn’t work.” She said with a shrug.

“Alright, tell him we’ll let him know in a bit. Maks is good too. I’ll let him know a time. Now, stop worrying for a little bit and enjoy your cuddles.” Peta said squeezing Sharna’s hand quickly. Sharna sighed but curled Maverick in a little tighter and attempted to do what Peta said however there were some things still flowing through her mind.

*Okay, I know, I disappeared. I promised 2 updates in 2 weeks for both stories. Life well, life has been rough. Nothing crazy and I’m okay but it’s just been hectic and busy. Work has been crazy, home life has been crazy, and friend life is crazy. I promise I’ll get back in the swing of things eventually. I wanted to do a little more with this update and include some chmergs but my writing tends to rule itself sooooo this is what we got. Next update is going to be more of a Shway one again with a little bit of chmergs mixed in. it’ll slowly even out to where I can do one and then one or smushed. Hope you guys loved this one. Don’t forget to like it up and let me know what you though. And you can always yell for my disappearing act. Love you guys!

#chmergs #chmergatroyd #chmergatroyd fanfics #Maksim Chmerkovskiy #peta murgatroyd #maks and peta #sharna burgess #Noah Galloway #Chattanooga #shway #begin again #alternate universe #sarahs stories

[sarahjane0886]

Begin Again 9

Chapter 9

“Momma, it time to go yet? Wanna see Elsa and Anna.” Lottie said as she bounced in front of her mother later that day. Peta had just gotten her cleaned up from playing out in the yard after her nap and had told her of the plans for the evening. The movie in the park ended up being Frozen 2 which was one of Lottie’s favorites.

“Almost baby, we have to wait for Maverick, Noah and Mr. Maks.” Peta said giggling.

“I take Olaf?” She asked quickly remembering the snowman.

“You can take your Olaf. Your big one or do you want to take your little box and we can put your little Frozen people in it?” Peta suggested. Right after Lottie turned 2 her attention span dwindled greatly. When Ollie was dealing with a lot of doctor’s appointments, sometimes it wasn’t always ideal to have someone watch the little one so Peta had found a lot of the Disney characters in small figurine versions. Lottie became obsessed with them. So on days when Lottie had to go to appointments, Peta would have her pick a handful of figurines and they would put them in a pencil box and take them with them. It had been a lifesaver.

“Little peoples!” She cheered and left Peta in the bedroom.

“Where’s the fire?” Sharna said laughing as she came into the little ones room.

“She’s finding her little Frozen people to take with her. She was going to take her big Olaf but I suggested the people and she decided she liked that instead.”

“Makes sense, both kids can play with it too.” Sharna said.

“Yeah, and I figured, we’re going to have to wait a little bit even with getting dinner so may as well have something to keep them occupied.”

“For sure. Hey, Noah said he always takes pjs for Mav so he said to tell you about taking a set for Lottie. He said he changes him right before the movie starts that way if he falls asleep at the end or on the way back he can just put him in bed.”

“Oh, so Noah told you huh?” Peta said with a smirk as she moved over to Lottie’s dresser and started to rummage around for a set of pajamas.

“Shush. He probably figured that it was quicker than telling Maks to tell you when I’m right here.” Sharna said as her phone buzzed again.

“And what else would he like to tell us?” Peta said with a grin.

“He…nothing.” She said with a look. Lottie came back into the room then, her hands full of her figurines but a tiny pout on her lips.

“What’s wrong baby?” Peta said bending down.

“Sven missing.” She said as her lip started to tremble.

“No no baby, he’s right here remember? You took him to bed with you the other night.” Peta said pointing to the nightstand next to the crib showing Lottie exactly what she was talking about.

“SVEN!” Lottie yelled happily as she scurried over to grab him. She dropped Anna, Elsa, and Olaf in the process but was very happy when she was holding the moose in her hands again.

“You found him, here baby, put them in your box. We’ll put them in your bag okay?” Peta said opening a box for her to put them in.

“Tank you momma. An Na?” Lottie said holding her arms up after she put the characters in the box.

“Come here sugar.” Sharna said picking her up.

“Okay baby, I need you to pick jammies for later. When we get to the movie, we’ll get you all cozy. Kitties or Stripes?” Peta said holding up two pair of pajamas. She had learned awhile back that Lottie did a lot better with things when she knew she had options.

“Kitties, meow!” Lottie said giggling as she pointed to the pajamas with a top with a large cat on it that said these are the cats pajamas. The bottoms were black with different kittens on them.

“Alright love bug, why don’t you play while Aunt Sharna and I finish getting everything together.”

“Tay with An Na?” Lottie asked as she fiddled with Sharna’s sleeve. Sharna shrugged and looked at Peta who shrugged as well.

“You can but it might be boring.” Peta said as she ruffled Lottie’s curls, basically they just needed to put the bag and some blankets in the wagon as well as their jackets. Peta was going to throw a few snacks in as well.

“Stay with me or play sugar?”

“Stay.” She said. Sharna’s phone buzzed again.

“Umm.” She said softly.

“I won’t tease, what did he say?” Peta said knowingly at the look on her best friend’s face. Sharna blushed slightly before reading the text to Peta.

“They sell popcorn and snacks there. Since we’re eating dinner first we won’t need anything big but Mav loves popcorn so I let him get popcorn. I take him juice since they mostly have pop and overpriced water. They sell snow-cones so he usually gets one of those. Mav keeps walking around the house yelling your name. I think he’s excited to see you and maybe..” Sharna blushed a deep red as she stopped reading the text immediately.

“What does it say?!” Peta said reaching quickly for the phone.

“Nothing!”

“That he’s excited to see you too doesn’t it!”  

“Maybe, come on Lottie, let’s go find some blankets, okay?” Sharna said switching Lottie to her other hip and heading out of the room. Peta shook her head and grabbed her phone to text Maks. She told him Noah said he was excited to see Sharna. Maks responded quickly saying that this may be bigger for Noah than he realized.

“Noah and Mav are on their way. They’ll be here in 5.” Sharna said appearing in the doorway. She was carrying two blankets and had one draped over Lottie who was giggling mercilessly at her aunt. She had also picked up Lily and her blankie along the way.

“Oh whoa, let’s go get this stuff in the wagon. You have a jacket?” Peta asked. Despite the fact that it was warmer in Chattanooga, sometimes the night air got relentlessly chilly.

“Yeah, it’s on the sofa. Come Miss Giggles.” Sharna said starting down the stairs tickling Lottie slightly eliciting another round of giggles from the little one. They dragged everything out to the porch where Maks was already waiting. He scooped the blankets from Sharna and settled them in the wagon.

“Noah usually brings Mav’s too. Do you think we’ll need both?” Maks said looking between the girls. Sharna shrugged and passed Lottie over to him who had her arms out for him. She started rambling to him about her Frozen people and Elsa and Anna and Sven.

“Umm, I think it’s probably not a bad idea to just bring both. It gives them each their space especially if they fall asleep there or on the way home.” Peta said as she settled their jackets in and put Lottie’s bag in the front as well.

“Good thinking. See I knew you’d know.” Maks said with a wink.

“Just thinking of how this one would react if she had to share while sleepy.” Peta said shrugging as Noah and Maverick pulled up. As soon as Noah had Maverick out of the car seat he was already bolting across the yard. Maks bent down to catch the little one who ran straight passed him and crashed into Sharna’s legs.

“Hey buddy!” She said scooping him up into her arms. Peta laughed relentlessly and she patted Maks on the back.

“Stole my nephew right out from under my nose. He doesn’t love me anymore.” Maks said in a pitiful teasing tone.

“I wuv you Aks.” Lottie said as she patted his cheek comfortingly.

“Aww, thank you Lottie girl, I love you too.” Maks said as he hugged her.

“See someone loves you.” Peta said with a wink. Sharna and Maverick had walked back over to Noah to help with whatever he needed.

“Well then, we may not have to do too much matchmaker playing with those two.” Maks said looking at Peta who was standing next to him.

“I think they may need the final push but they do seem to be doing quite alright so far.” Peta agreed as they walked back over to the group. Noah was dragging the wagon while Sharna had Maverick settled on her hip.

“Who’s ready for pizza?” Noah asked as he came over.

“Meeeee!” Peta, Maks and Lottie chorused.

“Let’s go then.”

“Alright love bug, let’s get you in the wagon.” Peta said as she reached for Lottie who only tightened her hold on Maks.

“Ride wif Aks peas?” She said curled into him.

“Baby, we have a far walk to the pizza place, we’ll be with Maks alllll night remember?” Peta tried to coerce her.

“Peas.” She said again with a tiny pout.

“Your call.” Maks said letting her know that he was fine carrying her but wasn’t overstepping her decision.

“Lottie you have to ride in the wagon. You can sit with Maks at the dinner and the movie. You have your little toys with you.” Peta said making the final decision. Maks bent down and settled Lottie in the wagon who began to fuss immediately.

“Whoa, hey miss, I’ll pull you okay? And you’ll see me the whole time.” Maks said as he took the wagon handle off of Peta hoping that would help some.

“Just start walking, she’ll settle.” Peta said knowingly. Lottie loved the wagon and riding in it but apparently her Maks love was a little more. She was sure it also didn’t help that it was nearly dinner time. They started slowing leaving Sharna, Noah, and Maverick to follow.

“Okay, you too Mav, wagon time.”

“No!” He said sharply as he gripped Sharna.

“Not you too. Buddy, I know you missed her but she can’t carry you the whole way.” Noah tried to explain.

“Uh huh.” He said in protest.

“Buddy, I’ll pull you just like Maks is pulling Lottie and then you can sit with me at dinner if Daddy says it’s okay alright? I’m with you all night clear up until bedtime.” Sharna explained. Maverick pouted ridiculously but allowed Sharna to put him in the wagon. She moved forward to take the handle from Noah, their hands brushing gently. Sharna felt a shiver run down her spine that she hadn’t felt in a long time. She looked up at him and saw the blush on Noah’s cheeks and knew he had felt it too.

“Ready?” He asked softly. She nodded and they started out. He walked directly beside her quietly for a bit. Their hands bumped into one another a few times before she felt him reach for her fingers. She looked up at him in surprise and he shrugged his shoulders at her.

“You sure?” The little they had talked about his past and everything, she knew he was extremely hesitant to start something with anyone let alone someone who typically lived 2000 miles away.

“Yes and no but more yes.” He said as his fingers slide into hers. She smiled gently and the group headed on. Maks and Peta took note of the new development and shared a look. They decided to keep their mouths shut however and just continued on with finding a seat.

“Sit with Sha’na peas?” Maverick asked as Noah helped him out of the wagon.

“You have to ask her buddy.”

“Sha’na?” Maverick said with a grin.

“Come here little man.” Sharna said scooping him up and tickling him lightly. Noah felt a sense of warmth flow through him that he hadn’t felt in a long time. He could see the happiness on Maverick’s face. It was a different happiness than what was typically there. He knew he needed a female presence in his life other than his grandmother. Sharna was the first person that Noah had seen that he could actually see fitting with them.

“You sure?” Noah asked realizing that in his realization that Sharna had ultimately agreed to keep Mav during dinner.

“Positive.” She said with a smile. The group headed in as the waiter seated them at a booth just off the patio. They quickly turned in their orders and the group headed into discussion about how to fill in Sharna’s last two weeks with the group. They knew the last week was going to be an adjustment for Peta & Lottie so they agreed to help out as much as possible with the transition. While Noah participated in the conversation, he could feel himself withdrawing as he already felt a hint of anxiety at the thought of Sharna leaving. Eventually dinner came and the group ate up before heading over to the park.

“Noah, you show us the best spot.” Sharna said as they arrived. They were about an hour early so there was some families already there but not many. She knew he and Maverick did this occasionally so she knew he’d be the best at picking.

“Let’s go over here by that tree. We can put the wagons against the tree and lean on them if we want. We’re not in the dead center and not too far up so we won’t get stuck.” He decided after looking for a moment. Everyone nodded and followed him. They got their blankets sets up and the kids were playing with Lottie’s figurines and Maverick’s dinosaurs that he brought with them.

“Maks, if it’s okay with you, I think I’m going to sneak away and get Mav’s sno-cone. It’ll be easier to just go get it and come back since he’s busy.”

“That’s fine, I’ll keep an eye on him. P, were you getting Lottie one?”

“I can get it for you babe. Cotton Candy right?” Sharna said attempting to keep her anticipation at bay. She wanted a few moments alone with Noah especially since she had seen him fade in and out of the conversation at dinner. She also felt a sense of panic ever since he held her hand on the walk to dinner.

“Yeah, here I can give you money.” Peta said reaching for her bag.

“I got it.” Sharna said brushing her off. She went to stand and Noah caught her elbow helping to steady her once she was on her feet. She blushed slightly and mouthed a thank you. He nodded and started off the blanket. He nearly turned back to tell Maverick but figured it was safest to just go. He wanted a little time with Sharna as well.

“Here.” He said softly reaching for her hand again. He figured since they were picking their way through families and blankets this was a good idea and he kinda just wanted to feel her hand in his again. She laced their fingers together quickly and smiled at him. He smiled back and they headed over to the rows of food trucks that were set up along the riverbank.

“Whoa, maybe we should have ate dinner here.” Sharna teased seeing all the options.

“Right? Only problem is it’s kind of a mixed batch of things so the kids don’t always like things.”

“Ah makes sense. Oh my lord, there’s three ice trucks.” She said as she marveled at the set up.

“One is kinda ice creamed based, Mav hates it, another is chopped ice, and another is like shaved ice.”

“Where do we go?”

“That one. The shaved ice.”

“You’re joking.” Sharna deadpanned. The line was probably 40 people long.

“Nope, that’s why Maks keeps Mav. It’s always like this. You don’t have to stay if you don’t want. I can get Lottie’s for you.” Noah said softly feeling like he need to give Sharna the out. They headed over to the line and got in place.

“No, no, I wanted to come with you. I’ll keep you company. Unless you want me to go that is.”

“No!” Noah said quickly and then groaned at the reflex. He blushed furiously. “Sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize. If it helps when Maks said you asked us about coming tonight, I yelled I’d go immediately.”

“So you wanted to see me ehh?”

“Well I wanted to see Maverick.” She said with a wink. “And maybe his daddy too.”

“I’ll admit, inviting you guys was kind of a bonus for me, knowing you’d most likely come along.”

“Noah….” Sharna said softly looking at the ground. Suddenly it was like it hit her. What in the world were they doing? She was going back to LA in 2 weeks.

“What’s wrong?” He said squeezing her hand that was still linked in his.

“I….what are we doing?” She said looking up at him finally.

“Honestly, I don’t know. When my ex left me and Mav, I swore off doing anything dating wise ever again. Maks vowed to never push it on me either but that he’d support me regardless. A few of my buddies didn’t see things the way I did and I caved and tried to date twice. Each time I was met with this awful anxiety that it was the most wrong thing I could ever do.”

“And…” She trailed off looking at their hands linked together. She shook them lightly as if he couldn’t see where her eyes had went.

“This feels right. This scares me but not in the way the other things scared me. I can’t promise that I wouldn’t try to push you away at some point or that I know where this is going but I just know that it feels right. This feels right.”

“Okay.” She nodded as if that was all she needed from him.

“Wait, what about you?”

“I like you. A lot. It terrifies me because I know I have to leave in 2 weeks and right now I know I don’t want to. I want to be here and explore this with you, see where it takes us because giving up feels like the worst option ever.”

“Exactly.” He echoed. He was feeling the same way. There was so much concern and worry buzzing in his head but yet at the same exact time, he felt this overwhelming urge to connect with her and explore.

“I just, what happens in two weeks?”

“Can I ask a question? It’s going to be a huge one and I don’t want to put pressure on you but I just want to know something.”

“You can ask me anything, always.” She said.

“Is moving an option?” He said and nearly pulled away from her in sheer anticipation of her answer. It wasn’t going to define anything in his mind in that moment he just wanted to know their options.

“Yes. My job, well it’s replaceable. Half my life is here already with Peta and Lottie. So yeah, moving is and has always been an option.” She said squeezing his hand. Her thumb automatically stroked the back of his hand as she felt his nerves continue to escalate.

"That wasn't an ultimatum , I hope you know. I just, Maks is here. My family is here. This is where Mav has grown up. So it's something that crosses my mind. I just don't want you to think i'm jumping ahead of myself here. I'm just trying to sort everything out." He explained quickly.

"Noah." Sharna said laughing slightly.

"What?" He looked at her strangely.

"Relax. It's okay, I know why you were asking and to be honest, in your position with your history, I'd have asked too."

"Oh. Good. I just, I don't want to pressure you." He said softly as he pulled her hand behind his back before letting go and wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

"You're not." She said letting the answer sink in for both of them. "Now what?"

"Well, you have two weeks left right?"

"Right. I already don't want to leave." She said as she tucked into his body.

"Let's not think about that. We'll just try to spend as much time together as we can. I want to get to know you better and you to know me better. And if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to take you on a date, without Maverick."

"I think I'd like that. A lot actually." She said with a grin as she looked up at him.

"Me too." He said. It was suddenly their turn at the sno-cone counter, they ordered the kids treats before moving to wait for them to be finished. Their hands found their way to each other again as Sharna rested on his arm lightly. She suddenly realized they hadn't talked about something yet.

"Do you think we should keep this to ourselves?" She asked feeling extremely shy in that moment.

"From Maks and Peta?"

"They know, they have been scheming since the aquarium. But I meant the kids, more so Mav....." It was silly but now that they had decided to pursue this, she didn't want to backtrack. Even with something as silly as holding his hand.

"Ummm, no. Well I think we need to just be careful. I don't want to be making out or doing anything like that in front of the kids. Or even Maks and Peta but this, this is okay with me." He said gesturing to their joined hands.

"So if I wanted to sit with you for the movie, that would be okay too?"

"That would be more than okay. I would love it actually." He said squeezing her hand as he heard their orders called. They gathered the treats and headed back to the blanket.

"Daddy! Sha'na! Oah! An Na!" Maverick and Lottie cheered as if they hadn't seen them in quite sometime.

"Whoa, did you miss us? Or did you just want your sno-cones." Noah teased taking Lottie's cone from Sharna so she could sit. Then he handed both to her and settled down next to her.

"Yes, yes!" They both cheered.

"What do you two tell them?" Peta prompted as she knelt up from her place next to Maks and helped the kids get settled before Noah and Sharna passed them their treats. She threw a towel over eat of their laps, winking at Noah when his face looked at her in admiration. He never remembered to bring that for Maverick when they came.

"Tank you!" They both said as they worked on devouring the delicious ice treat. It wasn't too long before they were both drippy sticky messes but they were happy and having fun none the less. When they finished they were going to go clean them up and change them into pajamas.

"Alright buddy, let's go get your jammies on. It's almost Olaf time." Noah said to Maverick.

"You too Lottie girl. Come on." Peta said holding her hands out to Lottie who came to her easily. She was super excited for the movie and somehow knew that pajamas meant Anna and Elsa and Sven would be coming soon.

"I go with Sha'na." Maverick said looking between his dad and Sharna.

"Mav." Noah said softly.

"It's okay, if you don't mind. I can go with P and Lottie." Sharna said.

"Are you positive? He's pretty simple. Just wipe him up and change him. He'll go potty on his own."

"Positive, come on buddy. Let's go get clean and cozy." Sharna said holding her arms out to Maverick who let her scoop him up easily.

"Thank you." Noah said even though Sharna brushed it off. She followed Peta who was weaving her way through the flock of people who had gathered. It looked like all of the Chattanooga was out for the event. They eventually made it through and headed to the bathrooms.

"So, you two look like you're getting cozy." Peta said nudging Sharna's shoulder lightly. The line to the restroom was relatively short but there was one.

"We talked, I'll talk to you about it later though. Not right now." She said looking between the kids.

"Okay, you know I support it though, ship it even." Peta teased.

"Oh my goodness, what am I going to do with you." Sharna laughed.

"Love me. Huh love bug, tell her, she just has to love us."

"Wuv us!" Lottie said to her aunt. Sharna laughed and leaned over to kiss Lottie's cheek. Then she came back and kissed Mavericks as well. He grinned happily and cuddled into her. He was such a sweet boy. Sharna couldn't imagine how someone could just give him up. It was their turn and both girls headed in and got the kids changed, let them go to the bathroom before cleaning them up. They worked their way back to the blankets where Maks and Noah had scored some popcorn and got the kids drinks set up.

"Aks!" Lottie said happily as they returned. She moved and curled up in his lap like she had never been anywhere else.

"Hey there cutie." Maks said tickling her before handing over her drink and popcorn.

"Momma, sit wif us." Lottie said beckoning Peta over. Peta settled next to the two leaving Maverick and Sharna standing still.

"Come here." Noah said patting the space next to him telling Sharna to sit with them like she had mentioned earlier.

"Sit in you lap?" Maverick said to Sharna.

"Sure buddy."

"With daddy?"

"Well I don't think daddy can sit in my lap but we'll be beside him. Sound good?" She said tickling Maverick slightly. He nodded and curled into her once they settled down. Noah handed over Maverick's treats as well before moving his arm back behind Sharna so she was brushing it lightly. She looked up at him with a grin. The movie started then and the group fell silent. About halfway through Sharna shifted a few times and Noah looked down to realize Maverick had fallen asleep on her.

"You can lay him down if you want." Noah said realizing that Maverick's dead weight was probably a bit heavy.

"No, I like holding him. My legs are asleep though." She said softly and he realized she had been trying to move them out from under herself but was failing miserably. He nearly laughed but realized no one around them would probably appreciate it.

"Here, lean back." He said moving so that he was behind her.  He put his legs on either side of her before he leaned her body back against his. With the new position she was able to free her legs from their crossed position. He got ready to move but she curled into him slightly so he stayed exactly where he was for the rest of the movie. Maks and Peta noticed the two but decided to keep things to themselves.  

When the movie ended, they collected everything and made their way back to the houses. Lottie had made it through the whole movie but had fallen asleep on Maks almost as soon as they started walking. He chuckled and just took her blanket from Peta before wrapping it around the little girl and tucking her kitten in with her. Once they got to the house, Sharna opted to help Noah get Maverick in the car while Maks took Lottie in for Peta. Peta could have easily done it but she decided to let Maks do it this time.

"Night buddy." Sharna said softly after they had straped the little one into his seat. She bent in and kissed his forehead. Then she shut the door gently so as not to wake him.

"Thank you." Noah's voice said making her jump.

"For what?" She said turning to look at him.

"For just being so good to him. He loves you already."

"Well, he's the sweetest boy ever. I might love him too." Sharna said with a fond smile.

"I suppose I should let you get in so Peta can lock up huh?" He said reaching for her hand.

"Yeah, and I should let you get him home." Sharna said gesturing towards the car.

"Yeah." He said relenting and pulling her body into his as he wrapped his arms around her pulling her into him.

"Goodnight Noah." She whispered into his chest. He decided he was going to be brave and he pulled back slightly before tipping her chin up slightly. Then he dipped his lips down to hers to meet in a soft gentle kiss.

"Goodnight Sharna. I'll see you tomorrow." He said squeezing her once more before letting her go. She smiled before heading to the house passing Maks on the way. He said goodnight but she was on Cloud 9 and didn't even hear him. She headed into the house and shut the door before leaning against it and letting out a giddy shriek.

"Wine?" Peta said with a knowing smile. Sharna nodded and moved towards her best friend knowing they had a long night of girl talk ahead of them.

**That's a wrap on this one, sorry it took so long but I hope it was worth the wait. It's Shway heavy but I'm kinda in love with writing them. I promise I'll do my best to keep the two balanced. Don't forget to like it up and let me know what you thought! Love you guys. I'm going away for work next week so this could either work in our favor and get you guys lots of stories or make me slack even worse. The first option is more likely however, so hopefully you won't have to wait as long for the next one. Love you guys!

#chmergatroyd #chmergatroyd fanfiction #chmergatroyd fanfics #chmergs #peta murgatroyd #Maksim Chmerkovskiy #maks and peta #sharna burgess #peta and sharna #noah galloway #shway #begin again #sarahs stories #alternate universe

[sarahjane0886]

Breath

“How is it possible that the moment your breath meets mine, my lungs become so clear. It’s as if I had been silent suffocating.” ~ L.R.

“Okay, so let’s go through the first 10 8 counts again, then we’ll stop for today.” Peta said looking at Nick. They had been working on their foxtrot for quite some time now and she could see the frustration and exhaustion wearing on him.

“Sorry, I promise, I’ll get it.” He said looking at her. And he was, he wasn’t failing miserably like he could have been however, he was just struggling with little details and other things like that.

“Don’t be sorry. I get it. It’s understandable. And we’re learning two dances this week. You’ve gotten the Argentine Tango down, now we only have to work on fine tuning all the details. You’re getting it. I promise.”

“I just don’t want to let you down.” He said softly as he looked at her. Peta could feel her heart tighten in her chest as she looked at her partner. He was always so cheery and fun, this was a different side of him and one she was sure people didn’t see frequently.

“Listen to me, nothing at all could make you let me down. You’re trying and that’s all I can ask for. I’ll see if I can brainstorm tonight and figure out some ways to help.” She said with a grin as she hugged him. He squeezed her back and pressed a friendly kiss to her forehead.

“Thanks partner.” He said as he let her go. He moved to his mark and held his hand out to her. They went through the initial part of the dance at least 5 more times, Nick improving each time. Finally a production member came in and told them their time was up for that day.

“You go home and enjoy that little baby of yours.” Nick said as he leaned over to hug Peta as they headed out. She passed along the same condolences to him and sent him on his way. She checked her watch to see when Maks and Vanessa’s rehearsal would be done and realized she had another 2 hours. Rather than waiting, she decided to go home and just sneak in some extra Shai time. She hadn’t realized just how much she would miss the little munchkin while she was away. She had the nanny bring him to her a few times already.

‘Hey babe, I’m heading home to spend some time with Shai. Do you just want to grab us dinner on your way home?’ She sent a text to Maks before heading out of the parking lot. Once she was home, she showered quickly before she sent Cherryl off to get some much needed pamper time. She thought for a moment and then headed outside with Shai. They had a tiny baby pool set up next to the big pool and Shai was absolutely a blast when they let him play in it. The two played until she saw the munchkin getting grumpy. She gathered him up and headed into the house with him.

“Alright bubby, let’s get you changed into dry clothes and we’ll get you a bottle and a nap.” She said as he fussed in her arms at being taken out of his water time. He wailed in her arms the further they walked away from the outside.

“Shhhhh, it’s okay. You’re just sleepy, we can play in the water some more soon bubby.” She soothed as she made her way to his room and got him changed into a dry onesie. Rather than putting him in actual clothes, she just grabbed his favorite blanket and headed down to the kitchen. She grabbed a bottle for the grumpy pants and settled onto the loveseat. Once he had his bottle, his hand wound up into her hair as his eyes immediately started to droop.

“Ohhh, see, I told you, you were just sleepy.” She said as she stroked his cheek as he drifted off. Once he finished his bottle, she shifted and snuggled him in tighter as she closed her eyes as well. Her head began to spin on the remainder of the time she had with Nick and what she needed to do to accomplish everything this week. Since they had two shows, everything was doubled, two dances, two sets of packages, two opening numbers, two costumes, two dress rehearsals, two camera blocking. She felt

“Hey you. There you two are.” Maks said making Peta jump slightly.

“Hey.” She said with a grin as he settled into the couch beside her. She went to move closer to him but he stopped her.

“I think I smell. I didn’t shower yet.” He said laughing at the look on her face.

“I honestly don’t care right now.” She said suddenly wanting his embrace as soon as he was near.

“Babe, give me 5, then I’ll come sit with you two.” He chuckled at her frown. She pouted but leaned up to kiss him before he walked away. He returned less than 10 minutes later with two bottles of water. His hair was damp from the shower.

“This side please.” She said requesting that he sit on the opposite side of her. He gave her a curious look before he settled on the left side of her body. She shifted Shai in her arms making sure not to wake him and then tucked herself into Maks. She pulled her knees up and rested them on his legs. His arm wrapped around her shoulders as she snuggled into his chest. Now that she was situated he realized why she wanted this side. She wouldn’t have been able to do this on the other side with the way Shai had fallen asleep.

“You want to put him in his crib?” He whispered as he pressed a kiss to her head.

“Nope, I’m good.” She murmured back. The two sat for a while just sitting in silence as they let the day fade away.

“You okay?” He asked finally. The two were affectionate at best but this was a bit different tone to her today. She nodded and pressed into him a bit more. He left her be knowing her at this point.

“You know, before you came home, I didn’t even realize how much I wanted you. I didn’t have a bad day or even a rough day but it was a day. And then you came home and sat down next to me and suddenly there was a shift. And it got me thinking, now don’t judge me because I feel like this can either sound deep or crazy. But, how is it possible that the moment your breath meets mine, my lungs become so clear. It’s as if I had been silent suffocating?”

“Babe.” Maks whispered at her statement.

“Honestly though Maks. It’s like you’re my drug. My safe haven. My end all. And I think sometimes I take you for granted but I just want you to know that even if it seems I do, I don’t.” She said getting flustered. Shai must have picked up on it and the little munchkin woke up. He was so thrilled to see both of his parents that their conversation was derailed until later in the evening when the house was quiet and the two were tucked into bed.

“So, earlier….” He said as his hand ran through her hair. She was curled up on his chest with her leg slung over his, her arm across his middle.

“Oh….” She said softly curling into him tighter.

“What was the oh for?” He asked.

“The oh was for, maybe I shouldn’t have said that earlier, it makes me sound needy.”

“Peta Jane. No. It doesn’t. If anything I think that was the most special thing you’ve ever said to me. And to be honest, I think I agree. It’s not like I go away from you and suddenly my world stops but there’s this thing that’s missing and when you’re around suddenly it’s all okay again. Your analogy was perfect. You’re like my inhaler.”

“Babe.” She giggled at his analogy.

“Truth.” He said pulling her up some so he could kiss her. The kiss wasn’t sexual or sensual however it spoke volumes in their conversations that day. The kiss said it all. They were each other’s breaths, each other’s safe havens, and ultimately, each other’s reason.  

*Chmergs! Hope you guys liked it! I’m freaking in loveeee with this quote. Don’t forget to like it up and let me know what you all thought. Love you guys!

I feel like I need to take a poll on what you guys prefer for the next coming weeks. I have some things going on that are going to limit my writing time. I just don’t know where to put it. But options are going to limit updates and I need to know where you guys would rather have updates. Basically, my best friends which include my tiny niece are moving from New York to San Diego and I’m helping them move. So these next three weeks, I’m going to have limited writing time as I’ll be driving cross country with them. I’m trying to decide where to put a poll….what do you all think? Start a new story and ask? Or post an update in all stories and ask…this is confusing. Hahaha, but I want to keep you guys happy so I need to know where to put my words.

#chmergs #chmergatroyd #chmergatroyd fanfiction #chmergatroyd fanfics #Maksim Chmerkovskiy #peta murgatroyd #maks and peta #shorty #one shot #quote prompts #sarahs stories

[sarahjane0886]

Begin Again 8

Chapter 8

“So do we have a plan for the day? Anything with the guys?” Sharna said from her place on the couch. They had woken up to a particularly cool day in Chattanooga so they were enjoying their coffee from the couch curled up in some blankets. Lottie was tucked between them with her milk and toast.

“Do you want to do something with the guys?” Peta said with a wink.  

“It’s kinda been the theme dork. Not complaining but it’s what we’ve been doing.” Sharna said as she rolled her eyes and deflected the innuendo that Peta had thrown out.

“True, I suppose, but you never ask.” Peta teased a little further. Truth was they had pretty much seen the boys almost every day since Sharna had come to Tennessee. They had the aquarium day, they went to the zoo, and then they had went to Rock falls. Noah was on vacation for that week and the following week so their sudden bout of sightseeing fit perfectly and the kids were enjoying things more since they had each other and the adults.

“Peta Jane. Like you don’t want to see Maks.” Sharna said with a look.

“Aks?” Lottie said looking up between the two in anticipation.

“Maybe baby. I’m sure you’ll see him at some point.” Peta said, knowing it wasn’t really that hard to see the man considering he lived two feet away.

“Tay.” She nodded before curling into her mother and continuing her breakfast.

“Way to go slick. I was just teasing.” Peta said as she was the one giving the look this time.

“Sorry, I guess I should have thought about her before I shot that out.” Sharna said sheepishly.

“Yeah, seriously. I guess I shouldn’t tease you either. But Noah is cute and he clearly likes you.”

“Peta……” Sharna sighed. With all the time the group had spent together, Sharna and Noah got to know each other quick. It had been similar to Peta and Maks but on a different aspect mixed in with the distance. They both seemed to like each other but neither was willing to do anything about it.

“What? I’m just being conservative. It’s the truth and you both have clicked so well. And Maverick adored you right out of the gate. He’s so shy Shar, I was even surprised at how quickly he clicked with you.

“He’s here.” She said plainly as if it answered all the questions.

“So are we. You had to know I’d try to get you here with us, babe. I mean I didn’t expect that to be the reason and I’m not saying it is. But will you just not shut it out?”

“Peta, he has his issues and everything. What if he doesn’t even want that?” Sharna said with a look.

“Whoa wait, that means you would and do want it.”

“Not the point!” Sharna growled out at Peta frustrated.

“Oh but it is. Anyways, and if you know he has issues, that means he’s talked to you about it.” Peta said giving her another look.

“You told me!”

“I told you that Maverick’s mom wasn’t in the picture. I didn’t tell you anything further.

“Whatever, yes, he told me. Well not in detail. I just know that she was a bad person and while he’s sad Mav doesn’t have a mother figure, he’s not super upset that she’s not involved anymore. But you could see it on his face P, she screwed with him big time.”

“That doesn’t mean that it’s not something he wants.”

“Babe, I love you, but I don’t think this is happening. Not even if……” She trailed off realizing she had gone too far.

“Not even if what?” Peta said with wide eyes. There was a knock on the door then that startled all three of the girls.

“Saved by the door.” Sharna said with a smirk.

“Aks!” Lottie said as she stood up on the couch and could see her favorite man in the window.

“Hey, how’s it going? Come in. Ignore the fact that we haven’t gotten dressed yet please.” Peta said waving Maks in as she opened the door.

“It’s early. I didn’t expect you to be dressed honestly but I did have a question.” Maks said scooping Lottie up once he was in the house.

“What’s up?” Peta asked as she leaned against the sofa and watched the two.

“Well, today is my 2 & 3 year old class at the studio. Its ballet fundamentals. Aka 40 minutes of Simon Says mixed with music. And I know Sharna is in town so I figured I’d ask and see if you were okay with me taking this one with me. It would give you guys some girl time alone.” Maks asked.

“Umm, today?” Peta said quietly and when Maks looked at her, he saw her face had gone white as a ghost.

“I mean, you can say no, I just thought maybe she’d like it and it would give you two the….time.” He murmured the last part as Peta walked away from the group. Maks looked at Sharna confused as all get out as well as alarmed.

“She met Ollie when they were in the same ballet class. I’ll be right back, can you keep an eye on this one?” Sharna said ruffling Lottie’s hair.

“Of course.”

“If she’s going what time does she need to be ready?” Sharna asked, not really sure how this conversation was going to go.

“My class is at 9:30. I leave here at 9. So ½ hourish And I have another one right after but its 4-5 year olds so she can stay with me through that one and then I’d bring her back in time for nap.” Maks explained.

“Alright, let me go check on her.” Sharna said leaving Lottie and Maks in the living room. She found her best friend in front of the kitchen sink, gripping the counter so tightly her knuckles were turning white. When she got closer she could see the tears that were slipping down her cheeks as well.

“Babe.” Sharna said softly as she moved next to her and rested her hand on her back.

“I don’t know if I can handle that.” Peta said softly as she didn’t turn her head to look at Sharna.

“Then you don’t have to. You’re allowed to say no P. And you have every reason to this time. That was special to you. To Ollie. So it makes sense.”

“But that’s not fair to her. What if she loves it? What if it’s what she wants to do?” Peta said wiping the tears from her face as she finally turned and looked at her best friend.

“What if she doesn’t? She’s only 2 babe, it’s also not something that you have to figure out now.”

“I just feel like….I don’t even know what the heck I feel. I feel like I’m supposed to do all these things because it’s what’s right but then at the same time. I feel like I can’t stop life. I shouldn’t stop life for her. And if I don’t deal with them now how am I ever going to deal with them? I’m sick of second guessing everything all the time. What I’m feeding her, what I’m dressing her in, whether this move was right or night, letting her get so close to Maks, letting Maks in so much with me. Every single time I turn around my brain is fighting me on everything! And I’m sick of it. I know it’s only been 5 months now but I just. I can’t keep this up.” Peta said as her tears started to fall again harder this time. Sharna pulled her in close and held her tightly not saying a word. They stayed together like that until Peta’s tears calmed and she was just clinging to Sharna.

“Now, I can’t tell you what to do ever but I can tell you one thing. That little girl in there is only doing as good as she is because of you. Yes she’s tiny and when she’s older, she won’t remember much of Ollie but right now she does. She knows that daddy was around and now he’s gone. She knows he went to be an angel from what we’ve told her. That could have easily turned into a huge monumental explosion. But it hasn’t. She has her moments but so does every other two year old in the world. She’s healthy, she’s happy, and she’s loved. That’s all due to you.”

“I wasn’t going to let it be anything but.” Peta murmured.

“But that’s what I’m talking about. Not everyone would say that. Some people would just wallow in their pain. And you’ve had your moments and days but you’ve put her first this whole time. I know it’s going to happen but you have to trust yourself.”

“I’m trying. But that, that in there scares me.” She said pointing to the living room and Sharna knew exactly what she meant. From the moment she had seen Maks with Peta & Lottie, she knew that no matter how much the two denied it, there was something there. There as a spark in the air that she hadn’t even seen with Ollie, which she would never tell Peta that but it was the truth.

“It’s allowed to. Don’t deny yourself that P.”

“Oh, I can’t, it automatically bubbles up like it’s supposed to live within me. I just want to enjoy this. I want to enjoy my daughter being two. I want to enjoy that my best friend is in town. There’s been so much heartache surrounding all of us that I just want it to slow down. I just don’t want to diminish Ollie’s memory or his worth in my life because I’m allowing that in there to happen.”

“I can honestly tell you when you told me about him, really told me about him, I was so thrown off. I never in a million years that you’d have another guy in your life this quickly. And while, I can see there’s something potentially brewing there, I can also tell you that I know that one in there would not in a million years do anything that you weren’t ready for. Even if it meant keeping his feelings to himself for years to come. But babe, Ollie wouldn’t want that for you. He’d want you to move on, to be happy, to live life. That was always his favorite quote, “Live life to the fullest because it only happens once.” I’m not telling you to go in there and proclaim some love for Maks but I’m just saying let what happens happen. Fighting it is only going to make you miserable.”

“And this is why I’ve missed you.” Peta said with a shudder.

“Well I’m here now. “ Sharna said as she leaned back a little and looked her best friend in her face.

“What do I do now?” Peta asked her.

“You do what you think you should do. And you don’t worry about what anyone thinks.” Sharna said as she leaned up and wiped the tears off her cheeks.

“Umm, I don’t want to interrupt but someone wants her mom.” Maks said appearing in the doorway with an upset Lottie. Peta immediately moved over to her daughter and held her arms out.

“Oh, come here love bug, what’s wrong?”

“I think she knew you were upset. I tried to distract her but she wanted you.” Maks explained.

“I’m sorry baby, I’m alright.” Peta said as she cuddled Lottie for a few minutes while the little one buried into her mother’s chest. She settled pretty quickly once she saw that Peta was alright.

“Wuv you momma.” Lottie said after a few minutes.

“I love you too baby. I have a question for you.” Peta said taking a deep breath. She knew immediately what she wanted to do.

“Kestion?” Lottie repeated.

“Yes, baby, a question. You remember how Mommy and Daddy used to dance?”

“Daddy spin Momma pretty.” Lottie said with a smile. When Ollie had gotten the news that he only had about 3-4 weeks left, he decided that he wanted to share as much as possible with Lottie and show her everything that he could about their lives together.  This included how they met which was through their ballet school.

“That’s right, daddy did spin momma pretty. Well Mr. Maks, he helps people learn how to spin pretty and dance and do everything. Not exactly like momma and daddy but so that they learn to dance pretty too.”

“I dance pretty?” Lottie asked giving Peta the perfect opening into the question.

“Well, that’s what Mr. Maks wants to know. He wanted to know if you wanted to go with him to his class. There’s going to be other little ones there like you and he’ll teach you things.”  

“You come?”

“No, you’d go with Mr. Maks, love. And then he’d bring you home after.” Peta said gently. Lottie hadn’t been away from Peta much especially since Ollie had left them.

“There’s lots of little girls in the class, Lottie. And I’ll be there with you too.” Maks interjected.

“And if you go and you get super sad and need Momma, Mr. Maks can call and I’ll come get you.”

“Lily come with me.” Lottie said more as a statement rather than a question. Peta looked at Maks for confirmation on that. She wasn’t sure of rules and such.

“Lily can come.” Maks said.

“Tay, I go.” Lottie said as she held her hands out to Maks like that was the final aspect of the conversation.

“Hold up baby. We gotta get you dressed first. You gonna go with Mr. Maks in your pajamas?”

“Nooooo!” Lottie giggled.

“Here, come with me sweet girl, we’ll get you dressed and your hair pulled up. Maks, does she need anything specific?”

“Just shorts and a t-shirt. She can wear tennis shoes. Most of the kids ditch them for just socks or bare feet but that can be her choice.” Maks said as Sharna took Lottie out of the kitchen to get her ready.

“Sorry about that.” Peta said sheepishly as she looked at Maks guiltily. She edged closer to him suddenly wanting his comfort despite the turmoil going on in her head.

“It’s alright. Are you okay?” Maks asked holding his arm out. He had seen her shift closer and closer as things went on.

“Yes and no. I just, that’s how Ollie and I met. We were both in the same ballet company. We had grown up in the same company and got close right before college. And it expanded from there. He was always my partner. And I want her to experience dance, I just think knowing it was with you and all of a sudden threw me off.” Peta said as she moved into his embrace and leaned into his hug.

“I don’t have to take her P. I had no idea. But I don’t want you to think I was imposing.” Maks said immediately.

“No, I know you didn’t. And honestly if she’s going to learn and it’s not even saying she is. It’s just something fun and different for her. But if she’s going to experience it, I would rather it be with someone she feels safe with. And she feels safe with you.”

“Well I appreciate that. And it means a lot. But are you sure?”

“Positive. Sharna reminded me of something Ollie used to tell us all the time. And it reminded me that living in the grief of his death is not something that he’d want us to do. Honor and cherish his memory yes, but hold back no. She needs to get this chance and this experience.”

“Alright, well if you change your mind you let me know.” He said before letting the room fall quiet as he held her until they heard footsteps on the stairs.

“Momma! Aks! An Na gived me a bun!” Lottie said excitedly as she came downstairs looking cute as ever. Sharna had found a t-shit that was more form fitting and a pair of black cloth shorts. She had her little tennis shoes on with her hair swept back into a bun.

“You look adorable baby!” Peta said scooping her daughter back up.

“Tank you! I ready to dance now!” She said as she held Lily on her hip.

“Here, I threw a change of clothes and B-L-A-N-K-Y in here.” Sharna said handing Maks the bag.

“Thanks Shar.” They both said at the same time before everyone laughed.

“Alright love bug, you be a good girl for Mr. Maks. And you tell him if you’re sad okay?” Peta said as she snuggled Lottie for a few moments before she handed her to Maks.

“You ready Lottie?” Maks asked as he gathered her things in his arm. Her car seat still lived in his car. Peta was going to have to do something about that when she started work and needed to take Lottie to daycare.

“Yes, bye momma. Bye An Na.” Lottie said blowing kisses.

“Bye baby. Bye Sweet Girl.” They both said.

“I’ll text you if something happens and well actually I’ll text you the studio address just so you have it. Otherwise we will be back at noon, okay?” Maks asked looking directly at Peta, trying to see if she was hesitating.

“Alright, thank you. I’ll keep my phone on. Call if you or she needs me please?

“We will. Enjoy your Sharna time. You deserve it.” Maks said as Peta walked them out.

“Thank you. Behave baby. I’ll see you later.” Peta said once more, leaning to kiss Lottie’s cheek once more. The two headed out and she shut the door before turning and leaning against it as she put her head in her hands.

“Want to talk about it?”

“What about the fact that I’m a hot mess? About the fact that I lost my husband 4 months ago to pancreatic cancer, I moved across the country because I couldn’t deal with all the memories, and when I move I move next to a man that I feel just as safe or safer than I ever did with Ollie? Or about the fact that I just had a meltdown, and then let him hold me to settle me? No, I really don’t want to talk about it. I know it’s wrong. And maybe I should be a recluse for another year. But right now, I know I love Ollie, I will always love Ollie and he will always be the love of my life. But at the same time I have Lottie here, and I need to be the best person that I can be for her and maybe that is letting someone in as a friend, who potentially when I’m ready, may turn into more. But at this moment, is solely a friend.”

“Go get dressed, it’s pedicure time. You need girl time. And time to shut all this down.” Sharna said seeing the upset look on Peta’s face.

“Bu….oh…okay.” Peta said as her body dropped in defeat and she headed toward the stairs.

“Wait, babe.” Sharna said grabbing her hand.

“Yeah?”

“I agree with you. I agree with you whole heartedly. I may end up being the only person who does but I agree with you. And I’ll always be here for you and have your back, no matter what.”

“Thank you.” Peta said as tears filled her eyes again.

“Anytime, I love you.” Sharna said with a squeeze before letting her go again. The girls headed up and got ready before heading out. They spent the morning getting pampered and just enjoying some real down time together which slowly began to even things out. They finally headed back home after picking lunch up for all 4 of them, Lottie and Maks included.

“Momma! We back!” Lottie’s little voice called as her and Maks came in the door. She was bouncing in front of him as she held his hand and dragged him along.

“Out back baby.” Peta yelled. She and Sharna had set up their Chipotle lunch on a blanket like a picnic.

“Momma!” Lottie cheered as she let go of Maks’s hand and tackled her mother’s body.

“Hi baby, I missed you. Did you have fun?” Peta said as she held her daughter tightly.

“I miss you too but I have so much funs!” Lottie said happily.

“Oh I’m so glad to hear that! What did you do?” Peta said moving and settling Lottie in her lap. Maks stood behind the two watching the interaction. Sharna was across the blanket watching as well.

“We stwetched. And we played Simon. And Hokey. And we danced. And we…Oh. I forget. Aks? Elp pease?”

“We cooled down?” Maks asked trying to figure out what she was missing.

“Yeah! I bees a flower momma.” Lottie said with so much excitement that Peta couldn’t help but grin as well.

“Wow, I’ll bet you were the prettiest flower ever. Did you tell Mr. Maks thank you?” Peta asked as she played with Lottie’s hair.

“Tank you Aks! I go gin?” She said as she stood up and reached her arms up to hug him.

“We’ll have to ask momma but I think you can go again.” Maks chuckled as he hugged her back.

“K. Go see momma gin now pease.” Lottie said happily as she squirmed for a second. Maks set her down on the floor and she scrambled back over to Peta settling in her lap.

“You can sit Maks. We got lunch for everyone.” Peta said laughing at his hesitation. She knew it was because she freaked out earlier and he was worried but she was okay now. Still second guessing every single thing that she could but at the same time, she was okay.

“Oh, yes. Thanks. Sorry. I knew that.” He laughed and settled on the blanket. Peta had texted to get his order earlier so he knew lunch would be there. The group ate and then Lottie turned and curled up into her mother and fell asleep while the adults continued on. Maks was standing up getting ready to head home when he got a text from Noah.

“Oh, hey, Noah says the movie in the park tonight is the new Disney movie. He was going to take Maverick and he wanted to see if any of us wanted to go? He was going to get dinner at the pizza place we ate at that first night Peta.” Maks explained.

“I’ll go.” Sharna said immediately making both Maks and Peta look at her. She realized that she answered so quickly and her face turned about the color of her hair as she put her head down and laughed.

“Alright, so Sharna is in. I think us two are good to go as well. I’m sure Lottie would love that. She’s my little movie buddy when she isn’t on the go.”

“Okay, we can walk if that’s okay with you two. I’ll tell Noah to meet us here if that’s alright?”

“Perfect, we’ll see you guys later. I’m gonna get this one in and lay her down. She should nap a little longer if she’s not on me.” Peta said standing up and heading in. Maks got ready to leave as well but hesitated and turned back around to Sharna who was folding the blanket.

“He likes you. I know it goes without saying but he’s been through a lot. And he likes you. You’re the first person I can honestly say he really likes. I’m not saying that to pressure you or make you do anything you don’t want to or feel but just know that he likes you as well. And this is new for him. So he may not be the slickest at it or as open as a regular person would be.”

*That’s a wrap. This update was supposed to be lots of Shway but the whole Chmergs/dancing stuff kind of wrote itself and umm hello, who doesn’t think a tiny Lottie in a little bun wouldn’t be the cutest thing ever! Sorry this was a bit later than planned. My birthday is coming up so I have vacation time all around. While that usually means I say I want to write, it also means that I spend lots of time with family & friends and sometimes it doesn’t happen. I promise I will try to at least get you an update or something while I’m away. Love you guys! Don’t forget to like this one up and let me know what you think!

#chmergatroyd #chmergatroyd fanfiction #chmergatroyd fanfics #chmergs #Maksim Chmerkovskiy #peta murgatroyd #maks and peta #sharna burgess #noah galloway #shway #begin again #alternate universe #chattanooga #sarahs stories

[sarahjane0886]

Begin Again 7

Chapter 7

"Lottie, sugar, it's time to wake up baby." Sharna said as she rubbed her favorite nieces back trying to wake the little one up. She had gotten in the previous evening super late and had asked if she could surprise her niece.

"No." Lottie grumbled as she turned away from her aunt and snuggled into her pillow while pulling Lily in tighter.

"So Aunt Sharna is going to have to play all by herself." Sharna said with a tiny giggle as she kept rubbing Lottie's back. This caught the little one's attention and she flipped over quickly.

"An Na?!" She said with wide eyes before shrieking happily.

"Hi sugar." Sharna said scooping her up and kissing her cheeks up and down making her giggle relentlessly.

"Someone excited to see her aunt I see." Peta said from the doorway as she watched the two. The site made her heart swell and calm at the same time. Having her best friend around for the next three weeks was definitely going to make life easier.

"Momma! An Na is here!" Lottie said with so much excitement that it was contagious.

"I see that baby. She's going to be with us for a bunch of days." Peta said as she scooped her daughter to give her some good morning snuggles and loves. Lottie accepted them happily before holding her arms back out to Sharna.

"Go pay An Na?"

"How about we get you some breakfast first sugar."

"You make me toast?"

"I can do that, is Momma allowed to come with us?" Sharna asked laughing.

"Yes, come Momma, peas." Lottie said waving for her mother.

"I'm coming sweetheart, oh wait, momma's phone is ringing, Shar you okay while I take this?" Peta said looking at her phone and realizing it was Maks. He never called so she was alarmed at first but figured she better answer.

"Yeah, go babe, we're good, right munchkin?" Sharna said tickling Lottie again as they headed into the kitchen leaving Peta in the living room.

"Hey, what's up?" Peta said into the phone.

"Hey, a couple things but I wanted to make sure Sharna got in last night and there were no incidents with the key." Maks's voice came across the line.

"Yes, dad, we're all safe. Key is back in the house and Sharna made it here safely." Sharna's flight had got in at 1 am and she refused to let Peta bring Lottie out at that hour. She was going to take an Uber and everything was going to be good. This however meant Peta had to leave a key outside for Sharna which Maks was not thrilled about. He argued with Peta for hours about how unsafe it was. He relented only when Peta said he could hide it and that it wouldn't happen again. He then made her go and get 3 copies made. One for Sharna to keep, one for his house just in case, and one spare to keep at her house.

"Not nice, I don't want anything to happen to you two." He huffed.

"I'm sorry, I won't tease anymore. But we're all good, I promise. Now what's up?"

"Well, you can say no."

"Oh boy, conversations that start out like that are always fun."

"No, this is a good one. So Noah always takes a few days off work here and there and takes Mav to the aquarium and to the zoo and that. They call them animal days. He usually tells me when he's going but he apparently forgot. He called this morning and asked me to invite you guys. Now I know Sharna just got in so she's probably exhausted so you guys don't have to go. I let him know Sharna was here and he said the more the merrier."

"That actually sounds fun. I had kinda nothing planned today for Sharna so she could catch up on life but I can ask her and leave it up to her. What time does he want us to be there?"

"He gets there for opening which is 9. So I'd say we'd have to leave here around 8:30 which is in 45 minutes."

"Wait, you're going?"

"Well, I'm tempted to say no now but yes, I am. I always go."

"That's not what I meant, I'm sorry. I just meant that it sounded like it was a Noah/Maverick thing." Peta explained feeling sheepish.

"It's okay, I should have said it. It's just usually implied that whenever these two do something, I'm involved. But I was going to offer to drive if that's not awkward for Sharna if you wanna go. Less cars will be easier."

"I'll talk to her. Can I text you?"

"Of course. Oh and usually we do dinner out after. There's a handful of kid friendly places down there a few with jungle gym stuff for the kids. And we take snacks and maybe grab popcorn at the aquarium."

"Alright, let me talk to Sharna and I'll text you. I'll try to let you know in the next 5." Peta said waiting for Maks to agree before ending the call. She headed into the kitchen where she found her daughter and best friend basically covered in the toast crumbs.

"Everything okay?" Sharna asked as she moved to dust herself off while Lottie finished her toast.

"Yeah, Maks wanted to make sure no one snuck into the house last night and to invite us to the aquarium with him and Noah & Maverick."

"Aks! See him momma? And Ewis?" Lottie asked nearly abandoning her toast eating.

"Maybe baby, we gotta see yet."

"Awww. I wanna see him." Lottie pouted. Peta sighed and shook her head letting her daughter be.

"So Shar, I'm kind of leaving this up to you. By no means do we have to go especially because you were traveling all night long. I actually had a quiet movie day sort of planned. So we can totally do that. I don't want to drag you out there with them just because they invited us. And if it's something you want to see we can always go at a different time."

"P, Babe, relax. We can go. It's silly to not. I'm here for 3 weeks, 2 of which you aren't working, we have lots of time for quiet days."

"Are you positive?"

"Positive, plus I want to meet these people who are taking care of my girls. Gotta make sure Aunt & Bestie approve."

"Sharna, behave."

"What? I'm allowed to interrogate your new friends." She said with a huff.

"Whatever, just don't imply anything that isn't there. There's nothing there." Peta said making her best friend's eyebrows go up. Peta moved forward to scoop up Lottie and changed the subject. "Hey baby, how would you like to go see fishies with Mr. Maks, Mr. Noah, and Maverick?"

"Fishies! And An Na? And Aks? And Momma? And eveeyone?" She said with huge eyes and such excitement that she couldn't contain herself.

"Yup, everyone." Peta said laughing as she tickled the little one.

"Yes, yes! Peas! An Na, help me get dressed?"

"I can do that sugar. Here, come here."

"Ok, I'm gonna text Maks and let him know we're good. Shar, are you okay riding with him?" Peta asked realizing she forgot to ask Sharna that important question.

"Yup, not a problem. Less cars are easier. And he seems nice. We'll be good." Sharna said easily before heading into Lottie's room to help her get dress. The three spent the next 30 minutes getting ready and packing a supply bag before heading to the porch to wait for Maks.

"Who is ready to see some fishies?" Maks asked as he appeared on his porch turning back to lock the door.

"Aks! Down peas?!" Lottie squirmed in her aunt's arms. Sharna put her down and left her scurry over to the dark haired man crossing the yards.

"You weren't kidding when you said she was enthralled." Sharna muttered. Peta had brought her up to date on Lottie's obsession with Maks so that her friend was prepared. She had also told her about her meltdown and their agreement. While Sharna hadn't been in the presence of the two yet, she agreed with what Peta had come up with. She figured it was a good way to play it safe and keep a support system. And it sounded like Maks was a good support system in any sense.

"Yeah, you just wait til she wants to nap on him." Peta said with a half grin as she led her friend across the yard. "Maks, this is Sharna. Sharna, this is Maks."

"It's nice to meet you Sharna. How was your flight?"

"Good, long, I was glad to be here. It's nice to met you as well."

"Na see fishes, Aks." Lottie explained as she looked between her aunt and new favorite person.

"Sharna's going to see the fishes! Are you excited? I love your outfit." Maks said tickling her slightly making her giggle. Sharna had helped her find a very appropriate aquarium outfit. Her top was a white tank top that said "Mermaids wish upon a starfish." She had on bright baby blue colored shorts with pink starfish all over them.

"Yes, yes."

"What do you say love?" Peta prompted her.

"Tank you." She blushed and got shy as she buried into his neck. He pressed a kiss to her head like it was normal. Peta caught it and it threw her off. It was the first time he had done that. Normally he just cuddled her and rubbed her back. Not that it wasn't okay but it was just new.

"Do you think we need her stroller?" Peta asked.

"I don't think so. Since it's a weekday, it shouldn't be too crowded Most of the exhibits are going to be ones where even though she could just look, she may want to explore."

"I'm more worried about her getting tired and wanting carried."

"I think there's enough of us that can handle her. Noah usually kinda sets a rest time aside and Mav has fallen asleep a time or two but then we just wait out him waking up."

"Alright, if you say so." Peta said with a smirk. Maks shook his head and they all headed to his car. The ride to the aquarium was filled with easy chatter. Sharna sat in the back at Lottie's request while Maks and Peta sat up front. Maks explained some of the perks and things they could do while they were there. Once they parked they went on a mission to find Noah & Maverick.

"Hey guys, I already got the tickets so we're good to go in. You must be Sharna. Hi, I'm Noah and this here is Maverick. He's pretty shy, so don't be upset if you get the brush off at first."  

"Nice to meet you Noah. And hi Maverick. Aren't you handsome?" Sharna said as everyone watched in slight shock as Maverick looked at the lady and then smiled softly.

"Hi, thank you." He whispered.

"You're so welcome. Are you ready to see the fishies? I know Lottie is excited about the otters. What's your favorite?"

"Rays. I touch em." He said with a bigger grin.

"No way! That's scary! You touch the sting rays?" Sharna said in shock making the little boy giggle.

"No scary, they splash. Daddy get wet." Maverick said continuing to giggle.

"He got wet?"

"Yeah, the little bugger decided that he liked Maverick so much that he was going to put on a show. Needless to say, I was in the soak zone when I wasn't even aware there was a soak zone." Noah said dryly.

"Oh it was hilarious. I think I have pictures on my facebook. And a video. Oh yes, i do. I was videoing because Mav was so excited and the sting ray was having a blast. Noah's face is priceless." Maks inserted.

"You're holding him this time." Noah said with a grin.

"Sharna, you touch sting rays?" Maverick asked Sharna curiously.

"What if I'm afraid?" She asked getting another grin from him.

"I hold yous hand. You be brave." Maverick said proudly.

"Okay, as long as you hold my hand I'll do it." Sharna said holding her hand out to shake on it. The two made their deal and then the group decided where they wanted to go first. They figured they'd start with the river side of things and then move towards the ocean, stopping somewhere in between for a snack/rest break.

"Alright, Mav, you want to stay up or you want to walk?" Noah asked when they got inside.

"Walk." He requested.

"Okay, remember the rules, you have to hold a big person's hand.

"Sharna?" He asked curiously looking between his dad and the red head.

"You want to hold Sharna's hand?" Noah repeated thrown off for a second. He was usually a straight up daddy's boy with the exception of Uncle Maks. Maverick nodded at his dad's question. "You can, but you have to ask her if that's okay?"

"Sharna?" Maverick said as he pressed into Noah's neck. This time the question was directed at the red head.

"I can hold your hand buddy." Sharna said holding out her arms and helping him stand. Then she took his hand and his grin got even bigger.

"Okay Miss Lottie, same rules. If you want to walk, you have to hold a big person's hand, okay?" Peta said looking at her daughter from her perch on Maks's shoulders.

"I tay." She said with a giggle as Maks tipped her backwards. Peta nodded and the group set off. They worked their way through the river portion looking at all the wildlife and animals before they were almost through the entire exhibit. They were just finishing up in the butterfly garden when Noah suggested it be snack time. Peta readily agreed seeing the look on Lottie's face, a break and some fuel would do the kids good. Maverick however did not agree in the least.

"No stop! See rays!" He said as he threw himself down and sat at Sharna's feet. All four adults as well as Lottie looked at him in shock. The kids had been standing with Sharna who managed to catch a butterfly so they were investigating. Lottie watched for a second before moving over to Maks.

"Up peas?" She said holding her arms up to the man. He nodded and scooped her up as she buried into his neck. Peta could see the sleepiness wearing on her.

"You okay if I walk her?" Maks asked knowing at this point Lottie's sleepy face. She squirmed around on his chest finding her way to where she liked to be.

"As long as you don't mind. I have Lily and blankie in here." Ever since her meltdown, Peta hadn't fought too hard whenever Lottie wanted Maks or when Maks offered to help. It took some of her anxiety with the situation away. It seemed the less she fought, the better it was.

"I don't. Here miss, here's Lily and Blankie, let's go get some air and walk a bit. I'll meet you back at the tables where we usually snack." Maks said more towards Peta. She nodded and pressed a kiss to Lottie's cheek before turning her attention to Maverick's current meltdown on the floor. He was currently clinging to Sharna's leg while Noah tried to talk to him. He looked like a little monkey attached to her best friend. If it wasn't for the situation of the meltdown she'd have probably laughed.

"Maverick. We can go home." Noah finally threatened only making the little boy cry harder. Sharna closed her eyes and counted to three before saying a silent prayer that she wasn't overstepping.

"Can I try?" Sharna asked softly looking at Noah. He looked up at her with a defeated look and shook his head.

"Hey Mav, buddy. Can you look at me for a second?" Sharna said bending down as best as she could while he griped her leg. He shook his head hard for a second and she ran her fingers through his hair. She felt him calm down slightly and decided to just keep up with the motion. After a few minutes, he stopped sobbing.

"Forget the ray. Mav no see them."

"Oh buddy. Come here." Sharna said slipping her hands under his arms. She scooped him up and left him wrap around her body. "We're not going to forget your sting rays. Daddy just wanted you to get some snacks in you so you're ready to be big and strong when you help me be brave. Remember? You're still going to help me be brave right?"

"No forget?" He whispered still clinging to her neck.

"No, we won't forget them. I promise."

"Pinky?" He asked, relaxing his one arm's grip from her body.

"Pinky." She said locking pinky's with him. He let go of her finger and just curled into her neck as his fingers laced into her ponytail.

"Uh, umm, thank you." Noah said nervously. It was clear that he wasn't really sure how to go about dealing with that situation.

"No problem. We went through alot with Lottie and Ollie. Sometimes she just needed someone different to hear her out. It's no big deal really." Sharna said giving Peta the come help me eye.

"She's right. I feel like these two are at that age right now where it's just needing to know that they are being heard. And they know we are hearing them but they are learning that sometimes we still don't allow them to get away with things. I don't know...they are 2. And trust me, there were many times when I thought my only option was to sit on the floor next to Lottie and have the same temper tantrum. And then Sharna would step in and suddenly she was calm. The first few times I was convinced I was a bad mom but then I just realized that sometimes they need to know others are there too."

"Ha, I just told that to Maks the other day. Guess I should listen to my own words. Speaking of where is he?"

"And Lottie?" Sharna added.

"She had the sleepy look and she curled into him so he took her to walk. He said to tell you he'd meet us at the tables. My bet is that when he comes back, she's out. She probably won't nap long but she needed it. She tried to stay up last night waiting for Sharna. Exhaustion won at about 10."

"She loves him." Noah said matter of factly.

"She does." Peta nodded as she looked back into the butterfly garden.

"Alright, let's go to these tables before Maks and Lottie beat us there." Sharna said breaking the awkwardness.

"Here Mav, can you come with me now?" Noah said holding this arms out to his son.

"No, stay with Sharna." He said as his grip tightened on her.

"Mav..."

"He's okay Noah. We're just going outside, he can stay with me." Sharna said gently. Noah nodded and sighed before turning to lead the group out.

"He's falling asleep." Peta whispered.

"Now I know how Maks feels." Sharna returned as she shifted Maverick slightly and tucked him into her better. She moved her one hand to rub his back. Peta gave her a look but didn't say anything. They found the tables and Maks and Lottie. Peta was right and her daughter was out on her current favorite sleeping place.

"You want me to take her?" Peta said, feeling required to offer. Maks gave her a look that clearly said I don't even know why you ask before he settled into a seat and adjusted the little girl against him.

"Noah, I think he's out." Sharna said feeling Maverick's dead weight sink into her.

"And that would be a yes. Thank you again. I can take him now if you want."

"I'm okay keeping him actually. I've kinda missed holding that one and we can see just how that's going right now." Sharna said tossing her head towards Maks and Lottie.

"Hey, I'm sorry. I'm new." He said in surrender making the group chuckle. They turned their conversation to some easier topics before Peta remembered she wanted to talk to Noah about Maverick's daycare. It had been something that she and Sharna were going to accomplish while she was there however, now that they knew Noah and Maverick, she figured she may try to get them in there. Lottie may do better having a buddy she knew. Surprisingly the group got along well. At one point Sharna and Noah were involved in a conversation when Maks leaned over and whispered in Peta's ear.

"He likes her. He's awkward as all get out but he likes her." Maks whispered. Peta had noticed it too. The longer they sat and the more comfortable the conversation was, the more Noah loosened up. And actually Peta noticed the same in Sharna. She leaned in closer to him instinctively, and she smiled more towards him.

"She likes him too." Peta agreed nodding her head toward Sharna's current giggle.

"This oughtta be interesting. He hasn't dated anyone since. But I think it's past time."

"He'd be safe with her. MInus the distance, I know my best friend, she wouldn't hurt him unless it was warranted. And it would take a lot for it to be warranted in her book."

"He'd be good to her too if it matters."

"He better be. I'll have ass kicking to do. Maybe we can get my bestie out here." Peta said with a wink.

"Guess we have three weeks to play matchmaker. Sound like fun?" Maks said holding his hand out for Peta to shake.

"What are you two conspiring over there?" Noah asked seeing Peta shake hands with Maks.

"Just a bet on which kid was waking up first." Peta said blowing off the question before starting another subject of things to do with Sharna while she was there. The group returned to talking easily while they waited for the little ones to wake up while Maks and Peta both starting their matchmaking plans in their head.

**Okay folks, so I this is going to shift into kind of a Chmergs/Shway deal. It'll be mainly Chmergs with hints of Shway. I want to explore both sides of new relationships and dealing with that. Hope you enjoyed this one. I'm hoping to have the next Chmergess (Fix A Heart) chapter up in a few days. Summer is busy peeps, super busy. And then Wattpad eating my updates do not help. Don't forget to like this up and let me know what you thought in the comments. Love you allll! Thanks for dealing with my droughts all the time. It means the world. :)

#chmergatroyd #chmergatroyd fanfiction #chmergatroyd fanfics #chmergs #peta murgatroyd #Maksim Chmerkovskiy #maks and peta #begin again #noah galloway #sharna burgess #shway #alternate universe #sarahs stories

[sarahjane0886]

Imaginartion: The True Magic Carpet

Okay loves, so I know lately I've been slacking in my writing but it's not from lack of want. Life is busy and hectic so sometimes I don't have much time to squeeze in a lot of writing. So I've come up with a solution (hopefully a good one!) short prompts! I've seen others post a list of prompts and then they do little shorts off the prompts which is perfect for these hectic busy days. I can do short updates on my phone and you guys still get some form of my writing. Here's where you all come in, my lovely s_brito  suggested that rather than find a list, I ask you all to suggest things. I would like to stick with quotes. So anything that you've heard, seen, liked, hated, anything that you would like me to do a mini one-shot for, comment down below. Or if you're a shy bird, send me a message. Also, if you want to request a couple for your quote you can do that as well. I'm limiting couples however to only a few that I've done or am willing to do. Those couples will be Chmergatroyd, Chmergess, Shyle, Shway, & Valenna.

#chmergatroyd fanfics #chmergess fanfiction #chmergs #chmergess #shway #shyle #valenna #quote prompts #help

[sarahjane0886]

Begin Again 6

Chapter 6 “Aks, aks, up aks.” Maks woke to a tiny voice calling him with gentle pats to his cheek. He opened his eyes and realized Lottie was still curled into his body. He realized that Peta had slid down some and was now resting on his stomach. “Hi miss. Did you have a good nap?” He whispered. “Mmhmm, momma sleep too.” She said with a look. “She did. She was sleepy.” “I have snack?” Lottie asked. “If you show me where your snacks are. Let’s let momma sleep okay?” Maks asked. “Tay. I elp.” She said with a grin. “Thank you. You stand here while I get up okay?” Maks said as he stood Lottie in front of him before shifting out from under Peta and settling her on the couch. He then stood and scooped Lottie back up. She point the way to the kitchen and he found her a snack of grapes and cheese. He got her a juice box and then asked her what she wanted to do next. “Watch Mawee?” She asked from her spot on the counter. Maks had let her sit on the edge of the counter while he held her in place as she worked on her snack. “Where do we find Mawee?” Maks asked confused. “On the iPad. She’s with the cats.” “Okay, I think we can do that. Do you think we can watch it quietly while Momma sleeps?” Maks said praying Lottie would be able to show him what she meant. “Yes. I sit with you?” “You can sit with me miss. Finish up and then we’ll go in and watch okay?” Maks said. Lottie nodded and continued her snack. Once she was done, Maks wiped her hands off and sent her to the potty after realizing that she should have probably went already. While she was in there, he texted Noah asking him to just stay at the house for a bit. He had a good feeling that Peta was going to need to talk when she woke up and it would easiest without Lottie there. Noah responded that Maverick was still sleeping but they’d hang out there until he heard from him. “Done.” Lottie said appearing. “Did you wash your hands?” Maks said knowing the answer immediately as Lottie eyes went wide and she looked at him in surprise. “Oops.” She said as she turned around and went back in before returning a few minutes later. She held her hands up to him and he scooped her up. She showed him where the iPad was. They then settled into the loveseat with her resting against him as she showed him what she meant. “Ahhh the Aristocats.” He said once he realized just who Marie or “Mawee” was. “Mawee.” She said looking at him confused. He laughed and nodded at her before hitting play on the movie. She watched aptly singing along to some parts and reciting the lines. He could tell that this was definitely one of her favorites and if he had to pay to bet, Peta probably knew just as many words as Lottie if not more. The two stayed curled up watching the movie until they were startled by Peta’s yelp. “Oh my god.” She said sitting straight up. She looked around for a moment before standing up and walking outside. “Lottie can you keep watching Mawee for a minute? I’ll be right back.” Maks said waiting for Lottie’s confirmation. She nodded and he settled her into the corner with the iPad before he went to find Peta. He found her leaning over the railing as she tried to calm herself. He stayed near the door not wanting to startle her. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have lost it like that. I shouldn’t have fallen asleep on you. I shouldn’t have done a lot of things. I’m sorry.” She said as she tried to settle herself. “There’s nothing you need to be sorry for, I’m more concerned if you’re okay?” Maks asked gently as he stayed where he was. “But there is….” She said however he halted her. “No, there’s not. Are you okay? Honestly.” He asked again. “I…” She stopped and watched the ground. “Be honest Peta.” He whispered quietly. The silence in between the two lingered for a few moments until Peta spoke again. “No.” She said as she slumped into the porch rail letting it hold her body weight. He knew that was the answer but it was one of those things he needed to get her to say herself. “Noah is still at my house. Is it okay if the kids and Louis and Noah play in the back yard and then we can talk?” He said. She nodded mechanically but stayed where she was. He watched her for another moment while he texted Noah who said he’d be over in 10. “Aks, back!” She said happily when she saw him. “I am back miss, but I have a question. How would you like to play on the swings with Maverick and Louis and Mr. Noah?” “See Ewis?” “Yup, he’s going to come over to your yard.” “You and Momma come?” She asked curiously. “We’re going to talk for a little bit but then we’ll be out. Maybe we’ll go to the park later okay?” “Tay. See ducks?” She said as she held her hands up for him. “Maybe, we’ll have to see if they are out. If they are, you and Mav can feed them.” “Tay. Noah push me on swing?” “I’ll bet the will if you ask him nicely.” Maks said as he headed outside. “Say peas?” “Exactly. If you say please and thank you, I’ll bet he’ll push you on the swing for sure.” “Yay!” She said as she started gibbering about something Maks couldn’t quite understand. He got outside and found Noah and Maverick in the yard. He transferred Lottie to Noah’s arms as he ruffled her hair. “Everything okay?” Noah asked curiously. “Umm, it will be I think. We’ll be on the front porch if you or this one needs us. You’re gonna be good for Mr. Noah right Lottie?” Maks asked. “Yes. I bees good Aks.” She said sweetly. “Good. Have fun. Momma and I will be back in a bit.” Maks said as he ruffled her hair once more before returning to the house. He grabbed two bottles of water and headed to the front porch to find Peta. He handed her the water bottle and settled on the railing giving her some distance. “Thanks.” She said softly as she took a sip before twisting the cap back on and watching the water glimmer in the sunlight. “You’re welcome.” “You have to think I’m a horrible mother.” She said trying to crack a joke but it failed miserably. “I don’t. At all. And wouldn’t. Ever.” Maks said sharply. “I’m sorry.” She said realizing that she had struck a nerve. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. Peta, I don’t know what we’re doing or what’s right or wrong but I’m not judging you. I just want to help.” “I…I don’t know how to accept it. And then things like earlier happen and I feel like I’m not giving her enough or doing enough. And I just…I just miss Ollie.” She said in defeat as she slide down the railing and settled on the porch floor. “I’m not sure what happened earlier either but she’s 2 Peta. And she’s been through a lot. You said yourself that you’re giving her extra leeway because she’s adjusting. But you’re forgetting something extremely important.” “What?” “That you need leeway too. You’re not perfect but the best part is that even on a regular day you don’t have to be. You have been dealt this horrible deck of cards and now you’re thousands of miles from everything familiar to you. Yes you chose this past to get away from your memories and to begin to heal but it’s not magic.” “I just feel lost. Like I’m drowning almost and no one can help.” “And you don’t feel like you can accept my help?” He said softly. “I don’t feel like I should. I feel like I’m betraying my husband. God Maks, Lottie only wanted you and when she realized or thought she wasn’t getting you, she full out panicked and wanted Ollie. And then it just all ties in. I know she’s 2 and she’s just trying to sort all this but it’s a mess.” “I get that and I respect it completely. But why do you feel like allowing me to help when it’s warranted betrays Ollie? I know you’ve only known me a short time but I would hope you would know that I wouldn’t do anything to do that to you.” “I know.” “Well then why?” “Because…..” She started but the words seemed to catch in her throat. Maks left her be for a bit as she settled herself a little bit before continuing. “When I met Ollie, there was this immediate calm that set over me. It was like anyone could have thrown anything at me and I could have done it with ease because he was near. It threw me off so much. I had dated in the past and had guy friends which I thought made me happy but Ollie’s feeling was something new. At first I couldn’t explain it but when he was gone or not around I felt this sense of panic. Which also wasn’t me. I wasn’t dependent on people. I was used to being me so to suddenly have this guy in your life who makes your entire world turn upside down was quite the feeling. At first I figured it just meant he wasn’t right for me. That my brain and heart were telling me to push him away and I tried. Oh believe me I tried but he fought back. Not in a demanding creepy way but he wanted me to know he was there for me. It took a while but he broke down the walls I had built up to block him out and eventually I just realized that it wasn’t because he wasn’t meant for me but because he was meant for me.” “It was kind of like the world telling you that this was right.” Maks confirmed. “Right. And I thought that was a once in a life time feeling.” She trailed off as she began to fidget with her now empty water bottle. “I think it is.” “What if you feel it again?” She asked as tears started to slide down her cheeks and Maks suddenly realized what part of her issue with him. “Wait, you feel?” Maks asked her incredulously. He had felt it too but the second he had heard her story, he knew there was no way that was even an option in life. Especially anytime in the near future. “I can’t…it can’t be right. It’s not the way it goes. I…I love Ollie. He’s my forever.” She said and he could see her starting to panic. He wanted to fix it but had a good feeling touching her would backfire immensely. “Peta. Breathe. Just breathe.” Maks attempted to coach from across the porch. “That’s why this isn’t okay. That’s why you can’t help. That’s why Lottie can’t be attached to you because you’re not Ollie. Ollie was my Ollie. He’s not you, you’re not him.” She rambled. “I’m not. And he’s not. But Peta there’s no rules to life. We don’t know that you can’t have two.” “I CAN’T DO THAT!” She yelled immediately and he instantly cursed himself for even saying that. “That’s not what I meant, that’s not what I’m saying. I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” He sprung forward trying to fix what he just did. “No Maks, no.” She said looking at him sharply. She held her hands up and he moved back a few steps. “I won’t come closer but that’s not what I was saying.” “Well what did you mean then?” She said pointedly placing her hands on her hips. Maks nearly smirked as he seen Lottie’s famous, “I’m in charge” stance display. “Just hear me out, okay?” He said holding his hands up in surrender. “Fine.” She said not dropping her stance. “I didn’t mean that I was taking Ollie’s place or that I wanted to. I wouldn’t do that to you or him for that matter.” “You don’t even know him.” “No, I don’t but I do kind of know you and Lottie at this point and we influence the people we are around. So if you two are as great as you are, he had to have been as well. What I was saying though is that we don’t know how life works. We don’t know why things happen or why people are given and taken away from us. Maybe you can have two people. Maybe the world just knew that you needed a safe person or a safe place to help you get through this transition and this new phase of life. Maybe that’s why you chose this house. Maybe that’s why Lottie is so attached to me. Maybe the world knew I could help you and be a friend to you through all of this. That doesn’t mean that the way Ollie made you feel changes at all. It just means that maybe the universe knew that even though you were dealt these cards, that your support card was going to make you feel safe as well.” “What if you decide you want something more?” “I won’t lie, I feel the same way about you and Lottie. I sort tried to tell you that at the beginning but I also feel this need to protect you both and help you. With that being said no matter what I felt, I wouldn’t do that to you unless you were the one who said that you wanted more.” “I can’t even think about that Maks.” “I don’t expect you too. I would never expect you too. Peta I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I just the thought of dealing with that gives me chills. So there is no way that I would expect that of you.” “Well now what?” She looked at him expectantly like if he had all this figured out surely he had the rest. He did but at the same time he didn’t. He was just saying what felt right and sounded right. “You’re okay with being friends now that all that is out in the open?” “I…yes. I am.” “Well then that’s what we remain. We’re friends. I help you out. If Lottie needs extra Maks time it’s okay. If you need a hug or a meltdown it’s okay. If I need you to help me, it’s okay.” “Friends don’t fall asleep on each other.” She muttered sheepishly. “Friends do whatever they are comfortable with. Now I’m not going to try to make out with you but if you need a hug or just that type of comfort, if you’re okay with it and I’m okay with it, they we can do it.” “Okay.” She said as she rested against the porch railing in exhaustion. “Do you feel any better?” “Some I guess. I just, I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel anymore and sometimes I’m okay with that because I think it’s normal and other times, I’m not okay with that because I want to be okay.” “Makes sense. Will you try to figure out a way to tell me if you’re feeling like you were feeling earlier?” “I can try but I can’t promise anything.” “That’s all I ask. Would it be okay if I….” He trailed off but she seemed to know what he was asking. “Yeah.” She moved toward him and he pulled her into a tight hug. This time rather than fighting everything in her head and telling her body that it was wrong, she let herself go. She felt his calm settle over her but tears also come to her eyes. “Maks….” She said into his chest. “Yeah?” “Thank you.” She whispered. He hummed in response as his arms held her just a little tighter. Despite the reservations she felt, she knew she needed this. He held her for a few more seconds before stepping back and letting go. “Peta!” He said as he nearly reached forward to wipe the tears off her cheek but folded her arms instead. “These are better ones, I promise.” She said as she wiped them from her own face. “Okay, good. You ready to go out with them? If I do recall someone owes us dinner.” He teased trying to shift the mood. “Oh my goodness, you’re right I do. You and Noah figure out what we want. Lottie will eat about anything as you know. But, yeah, I’m going to go wash my face real quick but then I’ll be out. Thank you for doing everything for Lottie. And don’t say you don’t have to thank me. I will always say thank you because it will always be appreciated.” She added quickly realizing he was going to stop her. “Well you’re welcome. I don’t mind at all. I kinda enjoyed my time with her. Maybe if you’re okay with it, I can take her for an hour or so every week and it’ll also give you a little bit of Peta time.” “We can talk about it.” She said with a nod and a wink. “Okay, go miss. I’ll go out back and talk to Noah.” He said sending her off. She headed in and he took a few minutes on the porch to circle up his thoughts before he headed through the house to the backyard. He was immediately attacked by two little ones as they realized their favorite uncle and ‘Aks’ was there. He scooped them up and tickled them as they giggled relentlessly. “Things okay?” Noah asked once the kids were back on the ground and chasing Louis again. “Yes and no. We talked some things out and came to an agreement. She hit kind of a brick wall with losing her husband which was to be expected but still hard for her. She was afraid she was betraying him because of some things she was feeling but we talked it out and we’re going to play it by ear.” He explained. “Gotcha. Just be careful okay? With her and yourself. I can already see something brewing on the both of you but I know you won’t disrespect her or her late husband either.” Noah said. “I won’t. And I’ll be careful. Now, Peta said for us to figure out what we want for dinner.” “Man, I don’t feel okay with her buying dinner.” Noah said with a look. “You take that one up with her. I’m not fighting that one with her.” He said holding his hands up. “Fighting with who with what?” Peta said appearing. “MOMMA!” Lottie yelled as she saw her mother and bolted over to her. Peta scooped her up and hugged her tightly. “Did you have fun miss?” Peta asked. “Uh huh…watch mawee with aks, swing with oah, & pay with ick & ewis.” She rambled. “Whoa, it sounds like you had a good day. Huh? Are you ready for dinner?” Peta asked. “Ohhh, uh huh, we go with everyone?” Lottie asked as she used her arm to include everyone. “Yup, everyone is going. Mr. Maks & Mr. Noah were supposed to pick where we were eating.” Peta said looking at the two. “We didn’t quite get that far. We okay with walking?” Noah said quickly avoiding arguing with Peta about the bill quite yet. “We are. Maks you bringing Louis?” “Umm I think we’ll give him a rest. He looks like he’s had his share of exercise for the day.” Maks chuckled looking at the dog who was laying at his feet in a ball of exhaustion. “Alright then we can walk right?” Peta asked. “Yup, so what do we want, chicken, pizza, tacos, pasta..?” Noah rambled thinking of what was decently close. “ACOS!” Lottie cheered making the whole group laugh. She had a tiny obsession with tacos which was adorable. “Looks like it’s Tacos then huh. There’s that place on North & Center, it’s new though. Do we wanna try it?” Noah suggested. “Works for me. Everything is new for us.” Peta shrugged. “Sounds good.” Maks agreed. They all parted ways to get ready before meeting in Peta’s front yard to head out. They enjoyed their evening together and Peta felt a lot of the day’s anxiety settle. She knew she had a long way to go before she was honestly okay but she felt like she had a break through at the same time. Noah lost the bill war and Peta paid for dinner but only after agreeing that they could do it again so he could pay next time. They agreed to plan to do it every other weekend giving the kids the opportunity to hang out. They took them to the pond after dinner and let them run off their remaining energy. As per usual Lottie fell asleep on Maks on the way home. “Thank you again.” Peta said as she went to take her from him as they arrived at the house. “Thank you.” Maks said with a wink making her shake her head. She settled Lottie into her arms and turned to head in but Maks stopped her. He held out his arms and she moved into them easily as he hugged her goodnight. “Goodnight Peta Jane.” He said softly. “Goodnight Maksim. I’ll see you tomorrow I’m sure.” **That’s a wrap on that one. Sorry for the delay in updates. Work & life has been exhausting as well as just things occurring. I promise I’ll get back into the swing of things. Hopefully you’ll get a Chmergess update over the weekend. I hope you guys loved this one though! Sharna will be coming soon! Don’t forget to like it up and let me know what you thought. Love you all! Thanks for everything.

#chmergatroyd #chmergatroyd fan fiction #maks chmerkovskiy #chmergs #chmergatroyd fanfics #begin again #maks and peta #peta murgatroyd #sarahs stories

[sarahjane0886]

Begin Again 5

Chapter 5 "Momma, see Ewis?" Charlotte said as she ate her breakfast Saturday morning. "Umm, well Mr. Maks and his friend Mr. Noah are going to come help Momma with the living room. Mr. Noah is going to bring Maverick, his son, so you two can play together." "And Ewis?" Lottie asked with a mischievous grin. "I think you're going to see Louis later baby. We're going to go to the park." "Ducks?" "Yeah baby, we'll see the ducks." "Pay in the rain?" She asked with a grin. It took Peta a minute to figure out what she had wanted to play with. "You want to play with the sprinkler?" "Yes, peas." She said as she finished her toast and berries. "Are you going to play nice with Maverick?" "Mav-ick pay rain?" She asked curiously as she tried to figure out what Peta was really asking. "I'll have to ask his daddy." Peta said as she reached for her phone. Last night after Maks had stuck around to help with the car situation, they ended up going for the evening walk with Louis and him. He had suggested swapping phone numbers just in case something should ever happen. Peta had been slightly worried about it at first but after she thought about it, she realized it was silly. Maks had been nothing but respectful of her that whole week and while that could be a façade, she just had a feeling she was safe with him. So they swapped numbers and that was that. 'Hey, do you think Noah would mind if the kids played in the sprinkler? Lottie was asking.' She texted before settling the phone down and looking back at her daughter. "Wing?" Lottie asked as she held her blueberry stained hands up to her mother. "After your hands are clean miss." Peta said dodging the sticky toddler. She grabbed a washcloth and wiped off Lottie's hands and face before sending her to find Lily. She heard her phone go off and reached for it as Lottie appeared back beside her mother. "Wing with Lily now peas?" Lottie said hands up. "Come munchkin." Peta said scooping her up and settling her on her hip. They headed out and she got Lottie swaying before finally reading Maks's text. 'Shouldn't be a problem. I shot him a text telling him to bring Mav extra clothes and a suit. I explained why.' The message said however, a second one came in as Peta was reading. 'Do you need help hooking up said sprinkler?' She sighed and shook her head. Truth be told, she wouldn't mind help. She could handle it on her own but she knew it would get done quicker with Maks most likely. 'Don't judge me if I say yes. And thank you for telling him.' She sent back quickly. She put the phone in her pocket and began to talk with Lottie about nonsense things that 2 year olds talk about. "Never Miss Peta." Maks's voice sounded as he stood on the fence line watching the two. "Aks!!! See Aks Momma!" Lottie said happily. Peta laughed as she halted the swing and gathered the little one up. She carried her over to Maks who happily accepted the munchkin. "You're 2 for 2 sir. She's never stopped swinging for anyone. Ever." Peta said with a giggle. "My, my, that's quite the honor Miss Lottie. Are you ready to have fun today?" He asked as he tickled her making her giggle relentlessly. "Pay in rain with....boy." She said as she forgot Maverick's name. "In the rain? Is it going to rain? We better get inside." Maks teased knowingly. "Nooooooo! Pay rain outside! In swimsuit!" She said as she put her hands on her hips giving him a look. "OHHHHH! That's why I'm going to help momma hook up the sprinkler." He said tickling her again. "Yes! Elp, momma. Peas?" She said with a grin and a smile. "I'm pretty sure I couldn't say no to that face even if I wanted." Maks said looking at Peta finally. "She's got it down let me tell you. Are you sure you don't mind?" Peta asked as she moved to the gate and opened it for Maks since he had Lottie. "Peta.....wait, you know my middle name, what's yours?" "Jane." "Ahhh. Peta Jane. I like it. Now, Peta Jane, I don't mind. At all. Or I wouldn't offer." He said as he followed her to the shed. "I thought you said your momma told you to be polite and help people. How do I know this isn't just you being a good person like your momma taught you?" She teased. "Because I'm pretty sure my good deed would have stopped at showing you around town. Momma says you only have to help some." "Ahhh, I see. Well thank you. As usual. Now, here's the hose and the sprinkler. And I think I'll drag out her water table." Peta rambled. "I'll do it. Just here. Lottie, go see Momma for a minute so I can set your sprinkler up." Maks said handing the little one over. She seemed to realize that was in her best interest so she went with her mother easily. Peta sighed but resigned to holding the shed door open since it wouldn't stay open the whole way. Lottie eventually wanted down and explored the yard, mainly following Maks and rambling to him. Peta smiled watching the two as Maks just took Lottie's nonsense in stride. He talked back as if it was real conversation. "Thank you." Peta said again as Maks finshed up and everything was ready. "You're welcome." He said with his signature smile. "Momma pay rain now?" Lottie asked. "Well, we gotta go get your bathing suit on first and you go potty okay?" "Aks, stay here?" Lottie asked. "I'll be out here when you're back, okay?" "Tay." She said as she held her hands up for Peta who scooped her up. "I'm going to grab my things and tell Noah to come here, if that's okay?" Maks said. "That's fine. We'll be back out in a few." Peta said as she headed in. She got Lottie switched into her bathing suit after she went potty. Then she found her towel and sunscreen. She took the little girl downstairs and filled two sippee cups with ice water as well as grabbed a few small snacks for the kids. She headed back out and found Maks sitting on the stoop. "Aks! Here!" Lottie said happily seeing the man was still there. She wiggled out of Peta's grasp and headed for him. He caught her and sat her in his lap. "Noah and Maverick should be here in a few minutes. He's going to come through my yard and we can just let him in the gate." Maks explained. "Sounds good. So Maverick is 2 you said right?" "Yeah, he's quite shy so hopefully he's okay with you. I don't see why he wouldn't be but we'll watch to ensure that he is before we abandon ship. How's Lottie with new people?" "Uhh, besides you she's usually a little quiet at first but opens up as things go." "I'm the exception to the Lottie rule huh?" "Exactly." "So maybe we should give the kids a bit to get situated before we embark on figuring things out. Do you know where you want everything?" "Actually there's stickies on each of the things. And since I did unpack, the drawers are full....." She said sheepishly. "That's fine, we probably would have pulled the drawers out anyways. Hey man, hey Mr. Mav, how are you?" Maks said as he saw his best friend come into the yard. He went to put Lottie down but she clung to him. Peta saw and was going to intercept her child. Maks however took the little one's displeasure in stride and just settled her on his hip while he motioned for Peta to follow him. "Hey buddy. Mav, can you tell Uncle Maks hi?" Noah said as he shook Maks's hand. "Hi." The little blonde haired boy whispered as he saw the newcomers in his uncle's life. "I have a friend for you. I think she's going to share her sprinkler and some toys with you. Right Miss Lottie?" "Yes, play rains." She said sweetly as she snuggled into Maks's neck however faced the new people in her life. "Ohhh, you love the sprinkler Mav. Are you going to play with Lottie? Right?" Noah said looking to Lottie to confirm her name. "Me is Lottie." She said nodding. "I'm Mr. Noah miss. It's nice to meet you." He said reaching his hand out to shake hers. She giggled and shook his hand but stayed tucked into Maks. "This is Peta too. Noah, Peta. Peta, Noah." "Nice to meet you. I've heard quite a bit about you." Noah said reaching forward to shake her hand. "Noah!" Maks yelled. "What? All I've heard is Peta this, Lottie that. All good things I promise." "Oh my god. I hate you. You better be glad you're my best friend? Peta, I swear." Maks said getting flustered. "Whoa buddy, calm down. I'm teasing Peta. He has told me a little bit but he's not going on and on. It's all good." Noah said as he and Peta laughed. "Introduce your kid." Maks said with a look. "Peta, this is Maverick. He is 2. Mav, can you say hi to Miss Peta?" "Hi Maverick. It's so nice to meet you." Peta said gently keeping her distance. She had learned with Lottie that she did better when people weren't up in your face. Maverick turned slightly and gave Peta a small smile and wave but stayed cuddled into his father. "That's something. He's pretty shy. It may take a bit for him to warm up." Noah explained. "No worries. We can all just stay out here for a bit until the kids are okay." "Play blocks momma?" Lottie asked Peta. "We can get your blocks out baby. You want to come with me to pick which ones?" "No, tay with aks." She said softly as she gripped onto the man. "Baby." Peta said looking at her daughter. "I think someone is jealous." Noah said with a grin trying to lighten the mood. "I think so too." Peta said with a sigh. "I'm just going to pick for you two then okay Miss?" "Wood." She requested making everyone laugh. Peta shook her head and headed into the house. "You weren't kidding when you said she was attached to you." Noah commented as he settled into a chair with Maverick. "Yeah, I know it works on her too so it's hard but yeah. I just kind of go with the flow and let Peta take the lead." "Smart man." Noah said as Peta returned. She settled the blocks on the patio as well as a blanket for the kids to sit on. She and Maks got down with Lottie who started building. After a little while longer, Maverick moved and stood behind Maks eventually moving to play too. After a good half hour the kids were both invested in playing with the blocks and the adults had moved away to the picnic table. "You think he's okay?" Maks asked Noah. "Yeah, Peta did you want to let them do the sprinkler? Or do you want to leave them with the blocks." "Let's ask them. Lottie, Maverick, can you come here for a second?" Peta said. "Momma? Miss Peta?" The two said as they came over to Peta. "Do you want to keep playing with the blocks or do you want to play in the sprinkler?" "Play rains! Peas! Peas!" Lottie cheered while Maverick looked lost. "The water, buddy. You want to play in the water in the yard with Lottie?" Peta explained. "Yes peas." He said softly with a smile. "Let's go get your suit on Mav." Noah said standing up with Maverick's bag. "Peta, can we borrow a bathroom for a few minutes?" "Sure, straight in through the door and then to the left. First door on the left." She said with a smile. "Thanks." He said as he scooped up Maverick and headed in. Peta got Lottie changed out of her coverup and got her sun screen on while they waited. Maks went over and made sure everything was hooked up right. Noah brought Maverick out and they turned the kids loose once Maks turned the water on. He showed Peta how to shut the water off in case they finished before he and Noah were done. "You good?" Maks asked after a few minutes. "Yeah, go ahead. I'll yell if I need you or Noah." Peta said sending them off as she watched the kids as they ran and giggled through the fountain of water. 45 minutes later, Maks and Noah were done as were the kids. They were sitting on a towel in the sun drying as they ate a freeze pop. You could see they were both getting tired and crabby. "Momma, want Lily." Lottie said while she rubbed her eyes. She had just finished her freeze pop and came over to stand in front of Peta. "We can go get her baby. Let's change you first." Peta said knowingly. She scooped Lottie up and settled her on hip before turning to see Maverick was coming over to Noah as well. "Mav is right behind her. Maks I know you wanted to do the park but I don't think either of them are going to make it." "Aks. No." Lottie burst into tears suddenly. "Baby, what's wrong?" Peta said immediately trying to cuddle her baby as her sobs got worse. She started swaying in an attempt to settle the little one. "Aks, no go. No." She wailed and suddenly as if it were contagious, Maverick started crying too. "Mav, what happened?" Noah said shocked. "Maks....want unca maks." He sobbed. "Uhhh...." Maks said softly looking between both kids. "I'm still going to take her in and change her. Maybe she'll calm down. Noah, you can use the bathroom again if you want to change Maverick. I mean, I think they both need naps, but if you're okay with him sleeping either on my bed or the couch, they can nap there and then we can continue the day after?" "Yeah, let's see if he settles any then we'll go from there. Maks I'll be back." Noah said following Peta and Lottie into the house with Maverick. Maks sat there as he listened to the kids wails from inside the house. Mavericks died down slightly and eventually tapered off while Lottie's continued. Maks could hear his name mixed in with Daddy and Lily and some shrieks. "Is it okay if I lay him down at your house? I think that's going to need some assistance." Noah said as he motioned toward the house when he appeared with a nearly asleep Maverick in his arms. "Yeah, the back door is open. What do I do though man? I don't want to impose on her but I also feel bad just abandoning Lottie." Maks said as he looked as his best friend. "I think you can offer. She's let you help her this much. Offer, if she sends you away, respect that. If not help. I wish I had that help sometimes. He doesn't know a mom to miss but there's times when he just needs different comfort than I can provide him." "Uhh, okay. I guess I'll go in. Text me if you need me or when he wakes up if I'm not over there." Maks said as he came into the house. Peta and Lottie were coming into the kitchen. He and Peta met eyes and he could see she was ready to lose it. "Aksssss. Daddee. Want. Lilly." Lottie's wails continued. "Do you want me to try? I don't want to overstep." Maks said gently wanting to show Peta that he was being serious about not wanting to take over. "Yeah....I...." Peta said turning Lottie towards Maks as he accepted the little girl. Her sobs not stopping quite yet but the wails did. He began talking to her in Russian as he walked into the living room and began to walk with her. "Want daddee. Want daddee." Lottie kept murmuring as she slowly started to fade. Maks shifted Lottie so she was in the position she liked as he wrapped her blanket around her. She was already fiercely gripping Lily in her arm. He stopped looping the living room switching to just swaying as he rubbed the little girl's back. She finally fell asleep but he kept moving fully focused on Lottie in his arms. "Thank you." Peta's voice startled him out his trance. He looked over at her and caught her eyes. He could see the tears hanging out in them. "I'm sorry." He said gently. "For what? Because my child is attached to you. Because my husband died. Because she only wanted you right then. Because I'm clearly not giving her what she needs. Which one Maks? Which one?" She said as angry tears started to slip down her cheeks. "Umm, that you have to go through all of this. Alone at that." He said motioning for her to sit. He moved closer to the couch and had intended on putting Lottie on the loveseat but she clung to him in her sleep so he just kept her. Peta didn't move at first, almost as if she was refusing to sit down but then she tucked into the corner as she pulled her knees into her chest. "I shouldn't have yelled at you." She murmured as her tears continued. "Peta, you didn't yell. And you're entitled to lose it. You're going through one hell of a situation. And on top of that situation, you've moved halfway across the country where you know no one except your creepy neighbor who insists on helping you." "He is quite creepy." Peta said through her tears as he got a smile grin out of her. "There's a smile. And you've got this precious little girl who depends on you solely and you're doing everything in your power to make sure she doesn't see this happen, but it's bound to happen Peta. For both of you, you've both been through hell and back. And I don't know what's worse, being you and understanding or being her and not understanding." "I just miss him. I miss his arms. I miss his voice. I miss his smell. I miss everything. It's not fair." She said as the tears started to fall again. This time she didn't fight them as her body racked with sobs. He sat there for a while watching her not sure what to do. Eventually he couldn't stand it anymore. "Come here." He said softly as he reached for her hand. She left him pull her towards him as he tucked her into his side. He held her loosely but tightly at the same time. She knew without a doubt that if she wanted to escape his embrace, he would instantly let her. She however did not want to move. She needed this comfort and at the moment her brain just told her to accept it. So she sat there in his embrace as the tears continued to fall. Eventually she fell asleep. Maks wasn't sure what to do at first but realized that as potentially wrong as this all could be, that was as right as it felt. So he got better situated and held them both hoping that he was giving them both the comfort they needed. **That's a wrap on this one. Hope you guys liked it! Don't forget to give me some feedback, love, comments, suggestions as well as my likes. Love you guys! Thank you for everything!

#chmergatroyd #chmergs #chmergatroyd fanfics #maks and peta #maksim chmerkovskiy #petamurgatroyd #peta murgatroyd #begin again #alternate universe #sarahs stories

[sarahjane0886]

Begin Again 4

Chapter 4

“Hey babe, sorry it’s taken so long, how is it going?” Sharna asked her best friend of 15 years.

“It’s going. I just, it’s a lot. But we’re settling in. It rained the past two days straight and without a car, I wasn’t really about to go anywhere. But that means I did get mostly everything unpacked. Now it’s just organizing, decorating, and getting the big stuff upstairs.”

“When does your car come again? That has to be awful for the both of you. Wait back up how is my favorite munchkin?”

“Slightly a hot mess but good all at the same time. She’s just either content or clingy which makes sense. She’s doing amazing though honestly. I expected a lot more meltdowns.” Peta said as she curled into the corner of the sofa.

“Good, good. What’s she doing now?”

“Sleeping.” After shopping and lunch, Maks convinced Peta to let him keep Lottie in the yard so she could put away the groceries. Then they had gone with Maks and Louis for the evening walk, stopping at the park for a little bit. Maks showed Peta a sandwich shop and they grabbed dinner there. Lottie fell asleep on Maks on the way back home again. So Peta had tucked her into her bed before grabbing a glass of lemonade and curling up on the couch. That had been when Sharna picked the perfect time to call.

“Aww crap, I keep forgetting this time difference thing.”

“Yeah, that alone is going to take some getting used to.” Peta laughed.

“So how’s the neighborhood?”

“It’s good. It’s beautiful. There’s a park a few blocks from here with a pond and ducks. Then from the park it’s about another 2 blocks to get to the downtown area where there’s a lot of restaurants and little shops. We’re kind of in the perfect area.”

“That’s great. And does Lottie love the swing set?”

“Uhh, yes. She would live out there if I would let her.”

“I don’t doubt this, that girl and her swings. Back to the car though, when does it come?”

“Friday morning, so we have about 2 days.”

“That has to be horrible? What are you guys eating? And you said it’s been raining right? How are you getting anywhere?” Sharna said concerned.

“Well they have this thing here, Dinner Delivered. And basically it’s every restaurant in the area and you just order and someone brings it to you. We’ve done a lot of that, however our neighbor took us grocery shopping today.”

“Wait, excuse me? You got in the car with a random woman? Peta Jane Kingston!”

“Umm….it was a man.” Peta mumbled.

“What the heck? Are you serious? What were you thinking? You can’t be serious. I mean I know a lot of stuff has gone down but to be so reckless. And Lottie, you put Lottie in a car with a random strange man. What in……” Sharna yelled again and again.

“Stop. First off, you don’t get to talk to me that way. Second off, you have no idea what’s going on, you’re assuming everything. And third off, even if that’s what I was choosing to do, you’re not my mother, or my father, or my husband. You’re my best friend so slow your roll.” Peta interjected clearly over the entire situation. She had been hesitant with everything about Maks from the beginning just because of the history.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I just, I was worried. Can you explain please?” Sharna said with a sigh.

“It’s okay. I, yeah, I can explain. I just, I’m lost here too.”

“I’m sorry babe. I wish I was there.” Sharna said hearing the tone in her friend’s voice.

“Me too but we’ll figure it out. Anyways, so you know about the swing set, so the first day, Lottie wanted to play on the swing set. So we’re out there playing and the neighbor has a puppy. It’s a chocolate lab which is adorable to begin with but Lottie saw the puppy and wanted to see him. Our yards are separated by a half fence so she tried to bolt. I grabbed her in an attempt to stop her because I wasn’t sure what the puppy would do and well that’s sketchy. She full out lost it. So the owner appears and says if it’s okay she can pet him. His name is Maks. So Lottie pets the puppy, whose name is Louis by the way. Well then I tell her we need to go because we’re awkwardly standing in the yard. She flipped out again. So he says that he and Louis walk every evening and they usually go down by a park. He invited us. So with that she settled enough for me to get her in and start working on unpacking.”

“So I’m assuming you went?”

“We did. Lottie about had a conniption because I didn’t want to go. And you know I don’t frequently give into her but at the same time…”

“You just moved, she lost her dad, and she’s little.”

“Right. And she was cooped up in the house all day watching “Mawee” on the iPad.”

“Oh her and that cat.”

“Seriously. But so we went for the walk. When Maks found out we hadn’t ate, he showed me the downtown strip, which by the way is super cute and fun. There was a pizza shop that we stopped at but it was late so after Lottie ate, she was tired. She asked for Maks.”

“Wait excuse me? She hasn’t gone down for anyone but you since Ollie went into the hospital. I mean after she’d cry herself to sleep those days I kept her she’d go for me. But so she wanted this random stranger.”

“Yeah, I know. I didn’t say anything that night because I thought maybe it was a fluke. He was new, he got her pizza, helped her feed ducks, let her play with his puppy so she was kind of mesmerized. But…”

“But what babe?”

“Well, we had breakfast on the porch this morning. And when she saw Louis, she wanted to see him and Maks. Well Maks came and met me at the fence so he could get her and after she had seen Louis and Maks and I were discussing shopping, she just curled up on him and snuggled. It was so sweet but Shar…I just…”

“I’m sorry babe.”

“I know she’s missing that. She still asks to tell Ollie goodnight and she talks about him but I think she’s just missing a daddy figure. She was his world.”

“She was. I mean, so this Maks guy doesn’t sound half bad but how is this on you?”

“Rough. I miss Ollie but there’s this instinct to trust him and let him help. Just like today. I mean yeah we could have waited for groceries but it was nice knowing I had support. I know I have you and all our parents but someone here.”

“I get that. I’ve been worried about you having no one. Not that I think you can’t do it but its hard.”

“Yeah, well, apparently though I’m not ready to have someone. I had a panic attack at the grocery store.”

“Because it was like normal life?” Sharna said knowingly.

“Exactly. Maks took over though. He got me water and then distracted me. We took Lottie to the park across the street and he played with her while I collected myself. Then Lottie slept on him again. Just like she’d sleep on Ollie.” Peta said softly.

“Oh P.” Sharna said gently feeling horrible that she yelled about this initially. She had no idea what was going on and it was the exact opposite of what she had assumed.

“Yeah, I just, I don’t know Shar.” She said as she felt her tears fill up her throat.

“I’m coming to visit in a few weeks.” Sharna reminded her. She knew it wasn’t a fix but it was a way to help out. It was going to be the week before and the week of that Peta started back to work. They were going to find childcare for Lottie and just enjoy some girl time.

“I miss you.” Peta said as the tears slipped out.

“I miss you too babe. It’ll get easier I promise. This is a good thing remember. No memories or haunting thoughts. You get a fresh start.”

“Maybe this wasn’t what I needed. Maybe I needed to fight my fears head on.”

“You won’t know until you try love. You’ve only been there officially for 4 days. Give it time. The first bit is always the hardest. Look at how long it took us to adapt to coming to the states.”

“We had each other though.”

“We still do, it’s just a bit different.”

“It sucks.” Peta said as she wiped her tears and chuckled.

“It does. But we’ll figure it out, we always do.”

“What do I do about Maks?” Peta said as she tucked into the couch.

“What do you want to do about Maks?”

“I don’t know. I really don’t. I feel like I need to let Lottie have that. I feel like I need to accept his support which he has been great about as well as respecting boundaries and knowing when to push like today with the panic attack. But at the same time I feel like I’m betraying Ollie and his memory.”

“But what would Ollie want. He’d want you to be happy Peta. He’d want you to eventually move on. Find someone to be there for Lottie. Find someone for you. He wouldn’t want you to be alone forever.”

“I’m not dating this guy Sharna.” Peta said sharply.

“Whoa, I didn’t say for you to date him. I just said for you to not so much as focus on whether you’re betraying Ollie. He wouldn’t want that for you. He’d want you to move on, just like we said. He’d want you to be happy. So what makes you happy?”

“Having my husband back.” Peta said as the tears started again.

“Oh babe.” Sharna said falling silent as she let her best friend get this out. She knew for a fact that she was holding it together solely for the sake of Lottie so when she hit this wall, she’d just let her be and be there for her.

“I’m sorry.” Peta finally murmured after a good 5 minutes of tears and sniffling.

“No babe, no. You need this and you know I’m here for you. I just wish I could fix it all but I know we can’t so I’m just here for whatever and whenever you need.”

“I love you. Tell me about LA. I need distracted.” Peta said softly. Sharna granted her wish and shifted to the new conversation and began telling her about the latest in LA and what was going on. Eventually the two ended the call. Peta had intended on getting ready for bed, however she was just too antsy so she grabbed a blanket and went to the swing. She curled up in the corner and just stared into the night air. She sat there as the tears started again. She let them fall this time as she watched the stars and had a mini conversation with Ollie in her mind. She told him about the move, Lottie, and then after some consideration she told him and Maks.

“I don’t know what to do babe. I feel like even being his friend is betraying you. But Lottie loves him and he makes me feel safe. I’m not ready for anything more than a friendship though. I don’t think he’d expect anything else but still.” She said falling silent. She wasn’t sure where her brain was. She had only known Maks for a total of 4 days, but she had felt this immediate connection to him. She felt safe and she had only felt that once before, with Ollie. She had dated numerous other people but this level was different.

“Louis! It’s bedtime!” Peta heard Maks’s voice which startled her. She jumped and made the swing shake in result.

“Oh my god, Peta, I’m sorry.” Maks said as he looked over and saw her sitting there on the swing.

“It’s okay. You didn’t know.” She said attempting to clear the frog in her throat from her tears.

“Are you okay?” He asked catching her tone and voice.

“I umm, yeah. It’s just been one of those days.” She said as she immediately berated herself for admitting that to him.

“From the shopping trip?” He asked as she moved closer to the edge of his porch.

“That and just everything. It’s okay though. I’ll be okay.” She said with a weak smile trying to show him that she really was okay.

“Well, just in case, you know where to find me.” He said gently catching that she was trying to get away from the current conversation.

“Thank you.” She said softly as she looked out into the yard again.

“Hey, so real quick, when I was helping with Lottie today, I couldn’t help but notice that it looks like you have some things that need to move that are pretty heavy. Would you be okay if I came over to help with those?”

“Maks…..” Peta said with a chuckle. She wasn’t really sure where this man came from but he was making it super hard to push him away.

“What?! You can’t live with dressers in your living room.” He said laughing.

“Fine, but you’ll at least let me get you dinner for helping. You’ve done enough for the both of us. I need to repay you.” She finally relented.

“Peta, you don’t need to repay me.”

“Maksssss!” She said sharply in a tone that said it wasn’t up for discussion.

“Did you just mom voice me?”

“Yes, now you either help and dinner or no help and no dinner. Either or, your choice.” She said giving him a look that he could barely make out in the dark.

“Fine. Dinner. But..”

“No buts.” She interjected.

“I was going to ask that I’m around when they drop your car off.”

“Why are you going to yell?”

“Yes and no. I think they need to hear again just what they put you through. So I would like to be around just in case they give you a hard time.”

“It’s not this drivers fault.” She argued.

“I know but he works for the company. He can at least relay the message. I won’t be mean. I promise.” He said. He wasn’t sure where his sudden need to protect this new lady and her daughter in his life came from but he knew he needed to do what he needed to do. He was protective and nice in general because that’s the way he was raised, however, this was above what he would normally do.

“Fine. They are supposed to deliver Friday around 12. Don’t you work, ever?” She said.

“Yeah, I do. However since the studio is kind of mine, it comes with some perks. Not that I blow it off but I can delegate when needed.”

“Maks…wait do you have a middle name?” She said laughing at her question.

“You’ll hate it. You’ll never be able to say it.” He teased.

“Try me.”

“Well first off my first name is Maksim. And my middle name is Aleksanderovich.” He said as he seen her mouth drop open.

“What in the world! Maksim Alesandrosh?” She said giggling at the way it came out.

“It’s Russian Ukrainian. But no, that was kinda close. It’s Alexander – o –vich” He said sounding it out.

“Alex – ander – o –vish.” She repeated with more a s at the end.

“It’s more of a c like in sandwich but close enough. I will say that’s pretty impressive.”

“Thank you. Now back to what I was doing Maksim Alexander – o – vich! You can’t make people work more hours just because you’re helping me.” She said with the mom look again.

“I’m not! Geesh. It’s just my paper work and stuff. My classes are little ones like I told you so they are usually early in the mornings. They work best when they are first awake and happy. Then I ship them off for naptime with their parents all worn out and cranky.”

“That’s not nice. Not nice at all. Next time Lottie is crabby and whiny, I’ll ship her to visit you.”

“I wouldn’t mind that at all. I’m quite fond of that little girl.”

“And she of you already. Thank you for being so good with her. I think she needs it with Ollie gone.” Peta said softly trailing off.

“Hey, Peta, look at me.” He said catching the tone.

“Yeah?”

“No one will ever replace Ollie, I can promise you that. But I’m more than happy to step up and help her and you whenever you need.” He said with a small reassuring small.

“Thank you. I can’t promise that more of what happened earlier won’t happen again, but I do appreciate what you’re doing.” She said.

“Anytime miss. I suppose I’ll let you go get some sleep. I’ll bet your tiny miss is going to be up early just ready and raring to go.”

“Oh, you’re not a kidding. She’s on the go from start til finish.”

“That’s the best way for a little one.”

“Okay, the next time she’s up from 6 am til 10 pm with no nap, I’ll ship her over with you and Louis.” Peta said with that same look from before.

“You just let me know.” Maks said with a smirk.

“I hate you right now.” She said as she realized that wasn’t going to work. He already adored the little one.

“No you don’t. That wouldn’t be nice.”

“Whatever, it’s bedtime.” She said standing up and gathering her blanket and Kleenex that had fallen to the floor.

“Alright Miss Peta. Go to sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow I’m sure. You let me know when you want to do the stuff. And actually I can have my friend Noah come help. He may just have to bring his little one with him, is that okay?”

“Maks! You’re not roping someone else into this.”

“It’ll give Lottie a friend. His son is 2 years too. He’s a single dad.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“No, well the mother was never in the picture. I mean she carried the baby but signed all the rights away immediately.”

“Wow. That’s horrible. I can’t imagine.” She said with a frown.

“I can’t either. And Maverick is such a sweetheart. I just, I can’t. I mean I’m partially glad she’s out of the picture. She put him through the ringer but still. That’s a horrible thing to do to a child.”

“It is. I mean, I know that’s what Lottie has to deal with but her situation wasn’t because of a choice. It was just a result of the world.

“Exactly. It doesn’t make it better but on some level, it’s less of a horrible thing almost. In some twisted sense.” Maks said as he trailed off.

“Yeah….well if you think he’d want to come over that’s fine. But not because I can’t help. Only because I’m sure Lottie would enjoy having a buddy for a while.” Peta said with a grin imagining Lottie and a little boy chasing each other around the yard.

“Alright, are you okay with Saturday? Noah works during the week.”

“Yeah that’s fine.”

“Okay, I’ll let him know. Maybe once we get everything situated for you, we can take them to the park or something. The ducks should really be out then. And Mav loves Louis. That is as long as you guys aren’t doing anything.”

“Umm, what would you think we’re doing?” Peta asked with a smirk.

“I don’t know! I didn’t want to presume! And you said you transferred here. I didn’t know when that happened.” He rambled clearly flustered.

“Three weeks. They gave me a month to get situated on top of everything else. It was Ollie’s company too so they’ve been quite helpful.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Well….” He said trailing off not sure how to fix that.

“No, I understand what you meant. I’m glad too. But Saturday sounds good. And we can play the park by ear depending on how the kids get along and naps and stuff.”

“Sounds good. Okay, goodnight Miss Peta.” Maks said with a  wave as he whistled for Louis.

“Goodnight Maksim.” She said softly with a smile. She watched his figure retreat into the house before looking up at the sky again. It seemed like for a few seconds that the sky got brighter before dimming out again.

“That’s your answer huh babe. Let him help. I will. I just need to do it at my pace. I love you Oliver. And I miss you more every single day.” She pressed her lips to her fingers before blowing the kiss into the air. She headed up to bed, checking on Lottie on her way who was snuggled into her blankets with her kitten tucked into her arm, before she curled up herself. It took a while to decompress but she eventually fell into a fitful sleep.

**Okay so this doesn't compare to the awesomeness that was our lives this weekend with our babies. I still can't with so much. I'm not sure about the rest of you all but I can't believe i'm still breathing! Anyway, since we went from Chmergs overload to steep decline in our goodies, here's a new piece to this story. I hope you guys like it. Don't forget to like it up and let me know what you thought in the comments. Love you all!

#chmergatroyd #chmergatroyd fanfiction #chmergs #chmergatroyd fanfics #Maksim Chmerkovskiy #peta murgatroyd #maks and peta #begin again #alternate universe #sarahs stories

[sarahjane0886]

Begin Again 3

Chapter 3

The two days following the excursion to the park and pizza shop were filled with rain. This resulted in no outside time as well as no shopping or anything for Peta and Lottie. The was a hang up with Peta's car so they still didn't have travel means. She could have continued to Uber however she wasn't too thrilled about putting Lottie in the car time and time again without a proper seat. Plus this had given her time to get a lot of the unpacking done. Now it was mainly odds and ends, decorating, and some of the big things.

"Momma, momma! I is up!" Lottie called from her bedroom that morning. Peta smiled softly and crawled out of bed to go get her daughter. Lottie still slept in a crib because she had a habit of being an explorer. The crib tended to make that a little less of a possibility. As long as Peta got her quickly that is.

"Good morning baby, did you have good sleeps?" Peta said as she scooped her baby out of the crib. Lottie burrowed into her mother's chest. She was a cuddly little girl especially when she just woke up.

"Mmhmm, sunny?" She said as she pointed out the window to where the sky was finally blue and the rain had ceased.

"It is sunny sweetheart. I think today we may have to go for a walk. Let's go potty and then we can have breakfast first." Peta said taking Lottie to the bathroom and helping her handle everything. Then they headed downstairs to find breakfast.

"Momma, toast?" Lottie asked. It was usually her favorite breakfast however since they had moved, she hadn't really had the opportunity to have it.

"Umm, we still don't have toast baby. I think we're going to find a store today. At least so we can get some groceries. We can take your wagon." Peta explained praying that would distract her enough from her breakfast desires.

"Park?" She asked.

"We can stop at the park." Peta confirmed.

"Yayay!" Lottie cheered.

"How about I get your cereal and we can go sit on the swing?" Peta suggested.

"You push me?"

“Well, how about we sit on the big swing and then after we get dressed, Momma will push you on your swing?” Peta suggested.

“Tay.” She nodded as she rested her head back on Peta’s shoulder while she played with Lily’s ear. Peta gathered the breakfast supplies before heading to the porch with the munchkin. She settled her in her lap before giving her the cereal and juice. They sat there quietly as they enjoyed the morning air.

“Momma, finished.” Lottie said after she had finished her cereal.

“Good job baby, do you want more?” Peta asked.

“No. All good.” She said smiling before cuddling into Peta. Peta had figured she would be ready to move at that point so she enjoyed the cuddles.

“I love you sugar.” Peta said kissing her head.

“Wuv you too momma.” Lottie said back.

“Maybe we’ll get you a treat at the store today since you’ve been such a big girl.”

“Lollipop?”

“I think we can do that. Maybe you can get some popsicles too?” Peta suggested as she prayed that there was an actual store close, even if it was a bit more expensive. She’d just get a few things until her car came in two days.

“Ohhh, yes! Puppy! Ewis! Aks! See them!” Lottie cheered as she heard Louis’s barks as he skipped out of the house. It looked like they had a doggie door over there because other than Louis there was no movement.

“Baby, I don’t know that….”

“Hey you two, are you thoroughly soaked from all that rain?” Maks said appearing on his porch.

“Aks!!! See him!” Lottie yelped happily as she squirmed out of Peta’s arms.

“Whoa baby, hang on, you can’t get to Mr. Maks.” Peta said scrambling to catch the sleeper clad toddler who yelled in displeasure at being stopped.

“Do you…” Maks looked at her with wide eyes. He had been moving to go closer to his neighbor’s porch.

“She’s not dressed. Neither am I.” Peta said sheepishly.

“Well, you’re wearing clothes. I can come closer if you’re okay with it.”

“I mean, you don’t have to.”

“Maybe I wanted to see her too.” Maks said with a shrug.

“Maks….” Peta muttered as she shook her head. He chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. She moved to the fence line, careful to stay on the paved ground near her porch.

“Aks!” Lottie said flinging her arms over the fence as he easily caught her. She cuddled into him making Peta cringe.

“Hi Miss Lottie, did you miss me?” Maks asked as he held her. He mouthed sorry to Peta as he saw the look cross her face.

“Ess, lots.” She said as she held tight to him.

“That’s because there was a lot of rain huh?”

“Yeah, no toast.” Lottie said making Peta crack up finally.

“What?” Maks said laughing.

“You’re still stuck on that toast huh?” Peta said laughing. “Her favorite breakfast is toast but I haven’t had a chance to go get us any. She asked for toast this morning but I had to sell her on cereal. I told her we’d walk to the store later. Well if I can find a store.”

“You are going to have a car right?” Maks questioned.

“Yeah, mine is on it’s way. There was just a hang up so it's arriving a few days later than planned."

“Peta! You’ve been here for 3 days already. What kind of hang up is that! That’s not okay.” Maks said as his protective side busted out.

“Whoa, it’s okay. I already fought with them.”

“And you’re getting money back?”

“A voucher.” She said with a teasing look in her eyes.

“What?! For what?! Are you….you’re teasing right?” He said finally catching the glow in her eyes. Lottie realized that she was no longer participating in the conversation and curled into Maks. He automatically began to sway with her as he rubbed her back. Peta caught it as well and felt the usual twinge in her belly.

“Yes, I’m teasing. They knocked half the cost off. It was their mistake with scheduling for drivers. So after I yelled for about 5 minutes that they were stranding me and my child without means of transportation for the next week, they discounted half the price.”

“Good. It should be free. How have you been getting around?”

“Uber. Well initially that is. After we got to the house, I haven’t gone anywhere because I don’t like putting her in the Uber without the car seat. While we were at the hotel the first 2 days, it wasn’t an option but now…”

“So you haven’t been able to get groceries this whole time?” Maks said as it all clicked as to why toast was such an issue this morning.

“No, it’s not a big deal. I mean it’s been raining and we have had some stuff. We just got well versed in some of the take out places.”

“Peta.” He said with a look.

“What? What else would you have liked me to do?”

“I…well I don’t know. But I can take you for groceries.” He said.

“Maks, no. I can’t have you do that, You already showed us the park and took us for pizza. And we can walk to the grocery store and get some things. Then when my car comes, I’ll just do a big trip.”

“Peta, I have to go anyways. I was actually planning on going today since it stopped raining.”

“I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not asking, I’m offering.”

“Maks.”

“Peta.” He countered back.

“She’s a handful at the grocery story.”

“Exactly, so you mean to tell me you wouldn’t rather have an extra set of hands.” He said with a look.

“I mean….” She stuttered as the twinge continued in her belly but her head told her to go with it.

“I’m assuming you have a car seat here already from the plane?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, show me where it is. I can hook it in and then whenever you’re ready we can go.”

“You’re not going to give in on this are you?”

“No, like I said last night, I feel the need to be around you and help you out. You need to know the layout of the area anyways and I’m more than happy to help. And like you said she’s a handful at the store so an extra set of hands will help. And my parents raised me to help out and be polite to everyone who was around. My mom would kill me if she knew I wasn’t at least offering to help.”

“So you offer all new neighbors rides to the grocery store?”

“Noooo.” He said laughing.

“I need to make a list. I suppose I should get what we’ll need.”

“You should, that way it’s out of the way.” He said.

“I told her we’d go to the park.”

“You guys can walk with me and Louis later.”

“You’re going to fix everything I throw at you huh?”

“Yup. Let me help Peta.”

“Why?”

“Because, I told you, I feel the need too and I want to. Please just let me. You need someone on your side in a brand new area. Especially because it's only you two.”

“Fine. I need to make the list and we both need to get dressed.” She said finally giving in.

“An hour?” He asked.

“Probably, maybe an hour and a half.”

“Okay, where’s the carseat? I can put it in and then you can let me know when you’re ready.”

“It’s inside the front door. Meet me on the porch, I think I just learned to not fight with you on this.”

“Good job. I’ll keep this one.” He said as he and Lottie headed to the end of the fence line and moved to the front porch. Peta appeared soon after with the car seat.

“Do you need help?”

“Nope, my best friend has a little one and I’ve helped with him a lot. So I’m good. Here Lottie, I’ll see you in a little bit.”

“Aks go bye bye?” She asked as her lip trembled.

“Just for a little bit. I have to go get clean so I can go shopping with you and Momma.”

“Lollipop?” She asked.

“Yes, baby, Maks is going to go with us to get your lollipop. We have to get you dressed though, okay?”

“Tay, Lily come too?” She asked.

“Yup, Lily can come too.” Peta said laughing as Lottie cheered in excitement. She let Peta take her off of Maks and they headed in. Peta got them ready before starting to make her list. As she kept going, she realized just how long it was and all the little things she was going to need. She started to highlight different things. Things she could get later when she had her car. Finally she was done and ready to go.

“Wait, how do I tell him we’re ready….” She wondered aloud just as there was a knock on the door.

“Aks!” Lottie cheered from her spot on the couch with the iPad. Peta had set her up with a cartoon while she made the list.

“Come in.” Peta said as she realized her question was answered.

“Sorry, I just realized that we hadn’t picked a time. If you’re not ready, I can come back.”

“No it’s fine, I actually just finished. I was in the same boat as you. I just need to throw a couple things into the diaper bag.”

“Want me to put her in the car?”

“I need her to go to the bathroom first, come here baby, then you can go with Mr. Maks and get in the car.” Peta said taking Lottie away leaving Maks in the living room. He looked around and realized that she had accomplished most of the unpacking so far. However there were some items that looked to be kinda heavy. He figured he would offer to help her with those as well. He couldn’t shake the idea that he just wanted to be near the two. He did realize that her losing her husband was not something that he could take over. He needed to not overwhelm her but he could still be a friend.

“Aks!” Lottie yelled as she ran into the living room with her arms up. He easily intercepted the tiny munchkin settling her on his hip.

“Do we have Lily?” He asked. He had quickly learned that they didn't go anywhere without the stuffed kitten.

“Couch.” She said pointing to where she had been originally sitting. He moved them over and found the kitten, handing it to her. Then he took them out and got her strapped into the car seat, listening to her rambles the entire time. Peta came out soon after and slide into the front seat after he held the door open for her.

Once they arrived at the store, Peta collected Lottie while Maks got a cart. She got Lottie situated and they headed in. Suddenly, Peta got an intense feeling of déjà vu. She stopped dead in the doorway with Maks walking directly into her back.

“Hey, you okay?” He asked gently.

“I….” She trailed off as she squeezed her eyes shut trying to stop the memories. This was all too real with Maks being with her and Lottie. It was just like Ollie but with a different person. She suddenly wasn’t sure if she could do this.

“Breathe. I’m going to move us out of the way.” He said gently as he placed his hand on the small of her back and guided them over out of the way.

“It’s just like, it’s too much the same.” She muttered.

“With your husband.” Maks asked pulling his hand back.

“Yes. I…I can’t I don’t know that I can do this.” She rambled.

“Okay, wait, let’s take a second. You have to get groceries. And we’re here. What would help? Don’t answer that. Just breathe.”

“Okay.” She nodded.

“Here, I’m going to get you a water. You okay with Lottie?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. You don’t…” She trailed off seeing that he was already gone when she said she was okay with her baby. She nearly laughed at that concept. If he would have seen her some of these times, he would honestly question her ability to be okay with Lottie.

"Here." He said thrusting a bottle of water towards her. She took a couple sips and her hand found it's way to her necklace around her neck. Ollie had given it to her the night before they had gotten married and now it never came off her neck.

"Momma?" Lottie asked nervously at seeing her upset.

"It's okay baby." Peta said softly as she worked on settling herself for Lottie.

"Let's pause on the store." Maks suggested. "There's a park across the street, Lottie can play, you can collect your thoughts."

"Okay." Peta nodded giving Maks a good indication of just how shook up she was. He took the cart from her and put it back before guiding them out of the grocery store. He then led them over to the park across the street and they got Lottie set up in a swing.

"You can sit, I'll push her." Maks said.

"No, I'm better right here." She said as she stood beside the two. Maks kept pushing Lottie while Peta stayed close. Maks respected her silence as they stayed there. Eventually Lottie wanted to try out the slide and the see saw. Finally they convinced her to explore in the sandbox area for awhile.

"We shopped together every week. It was our Saturday afternoon adventure. Ollie, Lottie, and me. We'd go out to the pond, then to lunch, then to the grocery store. Ollie would always get Lottie a little treat at the end of each shopping adventure. We had to stop when he got sicker so it's been probably 5 months since we shopped together. And then you being there with Lottie and I. It was was just like a full blown case of deja vu." She explained.

"I'm sorry." He said softly.

"Not your fault. You've only been trying to help. I just don't know how I'm going to handle it all. Clearly today is a good indication of that."

"You do know there's not an expected way to react." He said softly as he looked at her out of the corner of his eye.

"I know, I just. I have Lottie and I just need to give a good example of how to handle things." She argued.

"Which I agree, but you fighting and pushing everything aside, won't help you in the long run and it won't help Lottie." He said gently.

"I have to be strong for her."

"You do. I agree. She's little. She doesn't know what's going on. All she knows is she's in a new place with new people and someone who was always there isn't anymore. It's a lot but that also doesn't mean you can't heal or figure things out either."

"I can't fix these things for her."

"You can't."

"Well then what am I supposed to do?"

"Make the adjustment as easy as you can. Don't be afraid to ask for help. It's most likely right next door."

"Maks, I've known you for a total of maybe 4 days. Why is it that you're the one who is helping me?"

"I don't know. I just know it feels right. I'm not trying to take his place Peta. I just want to help. You're here. You're alone. And you're hurting. Just be willing to let in help sometimes. I'm not saying drop your guards and let it all loose. I'm just saying to breath when you need and don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"Thank you." She murmured.

"Anytime. I'm serious. I'm right next door. An ear, a ride, advice, whatever, you know how to find me." He repeated the words he had said last night.

"I appreciate it." She said as they both feel silent again.

"You ready to try this grocery thing again?"

"Yeah, we're going to have to bribe the little sand monster." Peta said with a chuckle.

"I think I can handle that." Maks said as he leaned down. "Lottie, are you ready to go get your lollipop?"

"Ohh! Yes!" She said bouncing up from her mound of sand and scurrying over to Peta and Maks.

"Come on sand monkey." Peta said bending down to dust her off before scooping her up. Lottie laid her head on Peta's shoulder as she cuddled close.

"Ohh, is someone sleepy already?" Peta asked her baby.

"No! Lollipop!" She yelled before catching sight of Maks. "Aks!"

"Ohh, I gotcha miss." Maks said catching the little one. She squirmed a bit before getting settled against his chest, tucked under his chin. Her one arm held Lily while the other played with Maks's shirt sleeve.

"That's how she slept on Ollie." Peta murmured as her eyes filled with tears.

"I can move her." Maks said seeing the affect this was having on Peta.

"No, she's safe there. She may fall asleep on you though."

"That's okay. She's tiny."  

"I don't know how smart or safe it is but she's clearly filling some of the void in her life at missing her dad with you. I don't know how to stop it or fix it but I do appreciate what you've done so far. This could all backfire in my face at some point but for now, I'll enjoy the sight of her so quiet and content on someone other that me. Both of our parents stayed for a month after Ollie passed. She refused to sleep with any of them. And now she's requested you twice."  Peta said softly as she watched the two. She decided she was done with the conversation and headed toward the store. Maks watched her for a second before he followed her to finish their shopping mission.

**Guys, guys, you've gotten two updates in less than 4 days! It's a record for me lately! I hope you loved this one too. Don't forget to like it up and let me know what you thought! : ) Love you all!

#chmergatroyd #chmergatroyd fanfiction #chmergatroyd fanfics #chmergs #Maksim Chmerkovskiy #peta murgatroyd #maks and peta #begin again #alternate universe #sarahs stories

[sarahjane0886]

Begin Again 1

"Momma, I pay outside?" Charlotte asked her mother with a tiny grin. She held her arms up for Peta to lift her up into the air. They had just finished breakfast in the new house and Peta had planned on setting Lottie up with some toys while she started to unpack.

"Umm, do you think....."

"No pay outside?" Lottie's lip trembled as she immediately saw her mother's hesitation. Peta groaned as she looked around the house. There were boxes everywhere, stacked to the ceiling in some places. She had made sure that Lottie's bed and blankets were set up before doing hers as well. The rest she had left to this morning which meant breakfast had been dry cereal with apple juice that Peta had picked up last night.

"Don't cry baby, we can go outside for a little bit but then Mommy needs you to play inside so I can find your toys, okay?" Peta said hoping that the appeal of toys would help the thought of not getting full outside time.

"Pay on wings?" She asked hopefully.

"I need to check them but yes." Peta said laughing as Charlotte cheered. Peta had managed to locate a house that had a swing set still in the backyard. When she had spoken with the previous owners, they had said that they had the play set for their children but when they needed to move at least minute, they had ultimately abandoned the play set. Peta was thrilled at that concept considering that it would give Lottie somewhere to play during the day and burn off some of her two year old energy.

"I neeeeed Lily." She said as she squirmed out of her mother's arms to find the stuffed cat. Oliver had given that cat to Charlotte when she had been born. Peta remembered her husband's excitement when he found what he deemed as the softest kitty in the whole world. As soon as she knew to associate the kitten with comfort, Lily rarely left Charlotte's side. And now it was the only thing she had left of her father.

"You ready baby?" Peta asked as Charlotte came back holding the gray kitten tightly.

"Yes, yes!" She said holding her arms up. Peta laughed and scooped the little one up. They headed outside and Peta smiled softly at what was their new backyard. It was one of the only saving grace's she had with this whole experience. The patio was cemented with a table and area for cooking which then bled out into a beautiful backyard with two trees on either side. The swing set sat in the center and it included 2 swings, a monkey bar, and two slides. Peta had barely kept Lottie within the house when she saw her set up.

"Alright sweetheart. Let mommy make sure everything is safe before we start playing, okay?" Peta said as they started out. She was never so thankful for the little girl in her arms. She probably would not have ever made it this far without this driving force to keep going.

"Tay. I esplore?" She asked looking at the flowers and pebbles around the base of the trees.

"You can look, but not in your mouth." Peta reminded as she set Lottie down on the grass. Her current fascination was testing everything to see how it tasted.

"Tay." She toddled away from Peta over to the rock pile. Lily gripped in her grasp as she bent down and began to explore the rocks there while Peta watched on for a few moments. She inspected the swing set making sure it looked to be safe and in working order before calling Charlotte over and helping her get settled in the swing. She fixed Lily in with her just like she liked before she took her place behind her and started to push her. Lottie's giggles filled the air as she sailed back and forth. Swinging had always been one of her favorite things and at their home in LA, they had a swing set similar to this one. Lottie would have spent all day every day in the swing had Peta and Ollie let her.

"Alright, how about you try the slide?" Peta suggested after a good 15 minutes of swinging. Lottie crinkled her nose and looked between Peta and the slides.

"You elp me?" She asked Peta.

"Of course baby and you can swing some more before we go in, okay?"

"Tay." She agreed nodding. She let Peta scoop her out of the swing and then started to toddle over to the slide however her concentration was broken when a puppy next door burst into the neighboring backyard. They were separated by a half wire fence.

"Whoa, stay here baby." Peta said as Lottie immediately headed for the puppy.

"I see puppy Momma!" She said excitedly as she continued her pursuit only to be halted by her mother's arms.

"You have to be careful Lottie. The puppy could bite." Peta admonished gently.

"Puppy! Puppy!" She muttered as her eyes filled with tears making Peta groan.

"Shhh, I know sweetheart, we just have to be careful. I'll let you look at the puppy but you can't scare him, then that wouldn't be nice would it?"

"I nice to puppy." She whimpered still stretching her arm out. Peta attempted to turn them away to see if she could get her to calm down after a few moments however that was pointless as Lottie continued to twist and turn as she tried to get to the puppy who was now watching curiously at the commotion going on in the next yard.

"I'm sorry baby, you have to be careful with the puppy though sometimes they can be not so nice."

"I sees the puppy." She sobbed as she attempted to squirm out of her mother's arms.

"Not right now Lottie." Peta said shifting her body in an attempt to distract her daughter.

Yessss, yessss, peas! Peas Momma!" She continued to sob. Peta sighed this was not the way she wanted to spend their first day at the house.

"I....excuse me?" A male voice came from behind the two making Peta jump and Lottie bury her face into her mother's neck. Her wails turned to silent sobs.

"Yes?" Peta said sharper then intended.

"I'm sorry. I'm your neighbor and I heard she wanted to meet Louis. I didn't mean to scare you. I just thought I could help some." He said holding his hands up in surrender.

"I...I'm sorry. You don't have to apologize. It's our first day here and yeah...thank you. I'm Peta and this is Charlotte but we, err, I usually call her Lottie." She said extending her hand. She figured if this was going to be her neighbor then she needed to be polite.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Maks or well Maksim but everyone calls me Maks. And this here, this is Louis. He's just a puppy, only 3 months. How old are you Miss Charlotte?" Maks said as he scooped up the frisky puppy.

"Can you tell Mr. Maks how old you are baby?"

"Puppy." She muttered peeking out as a Maks caught her bright blue eyes which did not match her mother's at all.

"Well, after you tell him how old you are, maybe you can ask if you can meet the puppy." Peta coaxed.

"Two." She said holding two fingers up against Peta's shirt as she stayed tucked into her mother.

"Whoa, two! That's cool. So I hear you want to meet Louis? Would you like to pet him? He's very soft. You just have to be gentle."

"Momma?"

"Go ahead sweetheart, just be easy, like with the flowers." Peta reminded her. Charlotte nodded and held her hand out while Maks turned Louis so she could pet his back. He wiggled in his owner's arms and managed to sneak a lick in causing Charlotte to giggle.

"He give me kisses momma!" She said as she continued to pet the puppy.

"I see that sweetheart that must mean he likes you." Peta said smiling at her.

"I pay wif him?" Lottie said hopefully.

"Baby, we have to go inside remember, we need to find your toys. I'm sure Mr. Maks will let you see Louis another day." Peta said gently.

"Noooooo. I no want my toys. I wanna pay with Louis." She said as her tears started to fall again. Maks looked on at the two with an apologetic look on his face. For some reason he already felt connected to the beautiful blonde.

"Shhh, I know baby I know. It's been a rough few weeks." Peta said as she snuggled her daughter in tighter as she sobbed full force.

"Puppy, pay...." She wailed not even listening to Peta. Maks watched for a few minutes debating if he could intervene or not. He didn't want to step on toes considering he only met the lady and little one a few minutes ago.

"It's alright. We'll get to play with the puppy sweetheart, just not..."

"Can I?" Maks whispered as he finally decided he was going to intervene. Peta looked at him with questioning eyes but finally nodded her head. Not that she was fond of giving into Lottie, the little one had been through a lot already in her little life.

"Mr. Maks wants to talk to you baby." Peta said however Lottie still continued to sob for a few more minutes before she finally calmed down a little bit. The threesome just standing there in the yard with Louis looking on in confusion.

"Aks?" She said through her hiccups as she looked at the man.

"I usually take Louis for a walk after dinner. Maybe you and Momma would want to come with me? That way you can help Momma find your toys and then you can still play with Louis today. We go by the water and sometimes Louis likes to try to jump in and splash." Maks said trying to entice her. He was being quite presumptuous considering he just signed Peta up for an evening with him. Her eyes got wide realizing what he had done and he immediately felt bad.

"And I figured I could show you some of the things in the neighborhood. There's a few places that you may want to see so you know where they are. I didn't mean to overstep."

"It's okay. I appreciate the gesture and we honestly don't know anyone so yeah..." She said trailing off.

"Birdies?" Lottie interjected.

"There are some ducks there but not usually at night. On the weekends I take him in the afternoon and we see ducks." Maks explained.

"Feed birdies with daddy?" Lottie said looking at her mom. Peta realized what she was thinking of. Towards the end, when Ollie had gotten really sick, there hadn't been too much he could do but he had wanted to do as much with Charlotte as he could so they would do picnics at different parks around their house. Many times their activity would consist of feeding the ducks.

"Yeah baby, that's what you did with daddy. We really need to go work on finding your toys though sweetheart." Peta said suddenly flustered. Maks caught her past tense of the word and knew he may have overstepped. He felt the sudden need to apologize and try to fix things.

"I'm sorry." He said softly.

"No..."

"I'm sorry." He repeated trying to show her he was sincere.

"It's fine...you..." She said trying to figure out how to fix it.

"Walk puppy?" Lottie asked watching the exchange between the two.

"Maybe. We'll see. Tell Mr. Maks thank you." Peta told Charlotte.

"Tank youu." She said as she watched Louis wistfully.

"I usually go around 6, if you want. If not, I understand and I'm sorry again." He said as he scooped Louis up for Lottie to pet once more.

"I...we'll see. I just have a lot of unpacking to do." She said waving off his apology. This also wasn't a lie considering that the majority of her house was covered in boxes.

"I understand. I'll see you around. Bye Lottie." He said shaking her hand making her giggle. The two separated ways and Peta carried Lottie into the house. She set her down once they were inside and let her run into the living room while she sunk back against the kitchen door as tears started to fall down her cheeks. She wasn't sure why she was crying other than the fact that she was missing her husband. She also was confused at the fact that she was immediately felt safe with Maks around. She had only had that happen one time in her life and it was when she met Ollie. She couldn't even fathom what that meant and knew that she couldn't. Not when it hadn't even been 6 months since he had left them. She took a few deep breaths as she focused on the fact that Lottie was close by and she needed to be there for her.

"Momma?" Lottie's tiny voice said.

"Come here love bug." She said holding her arms out. Lottie toddled over and curled up against her mother.

"You kay?" She asked making Peta's heart break that much more.

"Momma's okay baby. Momma just misses daddy."

"Miss Daddy too. We read?" Lottie asked as she twirled Peta's hair.

"We can read for a little bit and then I'll let you watch a show on the iPad while I look for toys okay?"

"Mawree?" She asked. She had fallen into a kick of being in love with any and all Disney movies however her favorite was the Aristocats, she would watch the movie on repeat if Peta would let her.

"You can watch Marie sweetheart." Peta said with a grin. She stood up scooping Charlotte with her as they headed into the living room where Peta tucked them into the corner of the couch so they could read for a bit. The quiet time gave Peta some time to reboot her brain and by the time it was Marie time, she was calmer and ready to work. She got Lottie set up before deciding to just go box by box and pray she could accomplish something. She decided to push the walk with Maks and Louis out of her brain for then and see where she got with her unpacking. And based on the fact of Lottie remembering which was hit or miss with the little one. She wasn't sure which option she preferred either. Reminding herself to not focus on that, she opened the first box with was full of dishes and set to work.

**Okay loves, so here is the first part to this story. It's going to be slow starting as I build things so I apologize. Also once I get going the chapters will be longer I promise. Don't forget to let me know what you thought and to like it up. I still intend to base going forward on everyone's feedback. Thank you all for the support and for waiting out my dry spell. I promise I'm working on the Chmergess update next. Love you all!

#chmergatroyd #chmergatroyd fanfiction #chmergatroyd fanfics #chmergs #peta murgatroyd #maks chmerkovskiy #maks and peta #begin again #au

[sarahjane0886]

Begin Again 2

2. "Woof, woof."  The sound of the dog barking startled Peta from her current state. After setting Lottie up, She had gotten into unpacking mode and had been able to empty about 10 boxes. Their living room was starting to look less like a warehouse and more like a home.  "Momma! See puppy!" Lottie said as she abandoned her cartoon and ran to the door.  "Baby, we can't go see the puppy." Peta said as she looked down at herself and realized just how gross she was. And on top of that she wasn't sure she could spend time with Maks without that feeling coming back again.  "Momma! Yessssss!" She said as her lip started to tremble immediately. Peta groaned and looked at the window. Not that she gave into Charlotte all the time however in the span of the past 3 months, she had lost her father, her grandparents went away, and now they moved away from everything that was familiar to her. Peta was trying to compensate in some areas especially while they both adjusted to the move. She had additionally played quite well all afternoon while Peta emptied box after box of their lives.  "Baby, can't we go see the puppy another day? We'll get pizza and you and momma can have a cuddle night?"  "No, puppy, woof." She said pouting as she leaned against the screen door not even looking back at Peta.  "What if we just go say hi?" Peta attempted to compromise even though she knew this was going to be pointless. Charlotte was smart but she was still just two. She couldn't expect her to grasp the "just say hi" thing.  "Walk, puppy, ducks." Lottie said with her hands on her hips. Peta groaned internally. She knew that stance, it was her own stance. It was her don't push me on this stance. "Come on." Peta said scooping her up. She partially prayed that Maks and Louis were already past where they could go with them however she could still hear Louis so she knew that wasn't going to be the case.  "Hi you two." Maks said as soon as they came out of the house.  "Aks! Ewis!" Lottie clapped in excitement. Her mood immediately changing. She squirmed to get out of Peta's arms. She put her down since Maks was at the end of the front yard. She instinctively knew that he wouldn't let her go any further. Not that Lottie would go further since her end game was right there.  "Hi Miss Charlotte." Maks said bending down to greet her. Louis helped as well by greeting Lottie with kisses and puppy licks.  "Ewwwww!" She shrieked in giggles as she scurried back to Peta. "Save me momma!"  "I gotcha sweetheart. I'll save you." Peta scooped her up and held her close as Lottie giggled and buried into her mother's neck peeking out at Maks in the meantime. After a few moments she squirmed to be back down on the ground which Peta granted.  "No licks." Charlotte said holding her hand out to Louis, who immediately tried to lick her. She huffed and pulled her hand back.  "He just thinks you taste good." Maks teased.  "Feed ducks?" Lottie asked immediately changing the subject.  "Are you and momma coming on our walk?" Maks asked looking at Peta.  "Well, I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a temper tantrum on my hands if I tell her no." Peta said softly not completely looking at Maks.  "You may need shoes first...." Maks teased trying to settle her some. He could tell she wasn't too keen on the walk idea. Peta looked at him perplexed but then realized that neither of them were wearing shoes. She groaned for what felt like the 100th time in the past five minutes. "Lottie baby, can you come with Momma to get shoes, then we'll walk?"  "Tay with Ewwis?" She asked sweetly.  "Baby, I can't leave you out here." Peta said.  "I can....if you're...." Maks stumbled through his words as watched his new neighbor. Peta looked between the two of them almost realizing that although she had only known this man for less than 8 hours, she needed to trust him if even just a little bit to assist her. She didn't know anyone else here and support would come in handy eventually.  "Lottie, you stay right here with Mr. Maks. And you listen."  "Tay momma. Lily too?" Lottie asked moving a little closer to Maks.  "I'll get Lily...and a....crap, dinner." Peta said groaning.  "Do you guys do P-I-Z-Z-A?"  "We do, I'm allergic to nuts though so I have to be careful with that."  "Well if it's alright, if you guys did come with me, I was planning on offering to show you around the town a bit. I usually stay away from the main strip but we can walk down to the river and then come back that way so you can see what's around. And there's a parlor on our way that does amazing pies and they are allergy sensitive." Maks rambled slightly.  "We can't take over your whole night."  "You're not, trust me. It's just me and Louis. And we actually didn't, or well I didn't, eat dinner yet either. So it's nothing to stop. They actually have a little patio where we can sit."  "What about Louis?"  "The town is quite pet friendly. He'll be fine to sit with us on the patio."  "Are you sure?" Peta asked skeptically.  "Positive. Go, shoes and Lily? I'll keep an eye on her."  Maks said nodding to Lottie who was giggling as she kept trying to sneak in pets to Louis while attempting to avoid his tongue.  "Thank you. I'll be quick." Peta said before shooting into the house. She grabbed shoes for both of them and managed to locate the backpack they had used on the plane. She threw in a jacket, Lottie's blanket, some snacks and a water bottle. She wiped her arms, legs, and face off before changing out of the dirty, dusty shirt she had been unpacking in. She grabbed the iPad on the way out and shoved that in the bag as well.  "Momma!" Lottie said excitedly as she saw her mother. Peta grinned at the two year old. She was so happy and full of excitement.  "Hi baby, did you listen to Mr. Maks?"  "Yes she did. She even helped me hold Louis's leash." Maks said with a wink. Peta sat down and put Lottie's shoes on before standing up and taking her hand.  "Ready." She said softly, her eyes catching Maks's.  "We don't have to go." He said seeing the hesitation in her. He didn't know her story or what was going on but he felt compelled to protect her and the little pipsqueak between them. Even if that meant giving up time with them.  "No, we do. She'll lose it if we don't. I don't spoil her but.....well........." Peta trailed off. She didn't want Maks to thing that she cowered to the two year olds every request. "I get it. You're in the midst of a move, I would do the same thing. And some things aren't worth fighting."  "Right." Peta said as they started off. The walk was initially quiet with the exception of Lottie's ramblings between the two about all the things she was seeing.  "So where did you guys move from? Wait, I just want to put it out there that anything I ask or say, you can tell me to stop. I just figure if we're neighbors we might as well be there for each other but I also understand if you don't want that. Or well not there for each other. That sounds presumptuous but friends. Acquaintances. Whatever. Do you get what I'm saying?" He was met with the sound of Peta's giggles which were like music to his ears.  "I get it. And I agree. Trust me though, you'll know if I don't want to answer something. I'm quite stubborn, fair warning." Peta said with a small grin.  "Me too. We'll be good friends then. At least we'll both understand the other's view. But so where did you move from?"  "California." Peta said quietly.  "Whoa. That's far, how did you end up here?"  "Well, I needed the distance. Somewhere new for the both of us. And the company that I work for, has a branch out here so they agreed to transfer me and it was a done deal. They actually helped me find the house and helped with relocation costs."  "What do you do?"  "I'm in accounts receivable for a shipping company that does shipping for different countries."  "Fancy. Although that doesn't seem like you. I feel like you'd be more of an active person."  "Well, I....nevermind." She trailed off and Maks got the hint that she was over her side of sharing. He wanted to respect that.  "Lottie, we're almost to the park. You ready to see if we can find ducks?" Maks asked.  "I thought there weren't...." Peta trailed off.  "There usually isn't but sometimes they are far out in the lake. I figure at best we can see them. She may not be able to feed them today though."  "Oh, that makes sense. Wait, we don't..."  "They have feeder stations with bird food. I figured if there were some there, we could just use that. Most people who live here take bread or crackers but they do have the feeder option there."  "Oh. Okay. You got this all figured out." Peta stated sheepishly.  "We walk every night. As long as I've been here and well as long as I've had him. So, not to be presumptuous but you both are always welcome. Saturdays and Sundays I do tend to go earlier in the day which is when the ducks are close." Maks explained watching her out of the corner of his eye. "Thank you. I don't know how it will work when I start working but I'm sure Lottie would love doing this sometimes."  "Anytime." Maks said smiling as they entered the park.  "Ducks?" Lottie asked looking up at Maks.  "We have to go by the water. They might be far away though okay?"  "No feed?"  "We'll see. We may just have to tell them hi."  "Pet baby ducks?" She asked and Peta knew what she was thinking of.  "Uhh....." Maks trailed off looking at Peta for assistance.  "There was a duck family near the pond where we lived. My husband would take her all the time to feed them. At one point there was 6 ducklings and they were so used to us that they would come right over to her and she could pet them. I think she's asking if there will be babies here. Right Lottie, you want to know if you'll see baby ducks?"  "Yes. See babies." She said stopping and holding her hands up for Peta who scooped her up and settled her on her hip.  "I don't know if there are babies here are not miss. We'll have to look. I know there's big ducks and then geese sometimes." Maks explained as they made it to the water.  "Ducks!" Lottie yelled quickly startling both Peta and Maks. They both looked and near the edge of the water, there were about 6 ducks standing there. There weren't any babies however, Maks was just shocked that there were actual ducks there.  "That is the ducks sugar." Peta said smiling at Lottie's excitement.  "Aks! Ducks!" Lottie said reaching for him, throwing both him and Peta off for a second. Maks easily accepted Lottie and Peta took over Louis's leash.  "Let's go get you some duck food. If that's okay with Momma?" Maks said looking at Peta to see if that was okay.  "Yeah, here, you said you need quarters?" Peta said reaching for the backpack.  "My treat. It's my fault you're here and I have a good feeling you're going to be here way more frequently. The feeder is right there, we'll be right back." Maks said pointing to the bubble gum machine looking contraption and scurrying off before Peta could protest.  "Louis, do you like ducks?" Peta muttered to the dog as he tried to get closer to the water. Maks and Lottie returned quickly, Maks with a cup full of bird food and Lottie with the biggest grin ever.  "Momma! Feed Ducks!" She said clapping. Maks chuckled and nodded for Peta to follow the two.  "You are going to feed the ducks baby. Be easy remember?" Peta reminded as she and Louis followed behind.  "Kayyyy. Aks help me!" She said looking at Maks and Peta could already see the bond that was already forming on Lottie's end. Ever since Ollie passed, she hadn't had much male presence in her life. However, prior to his passing, she had spent countless hours with her father. Then after Ollie passed both Peta's parents and Ollie's parents had stuck around to help for a month. Lottie had gotten lots of grandfather time too. Peta knew even at her young age, she was already needing to fill that missing father void especially because she didn't know why exactly she no longer had that.  "I'll help you little miss." He said with a grin checking back to Peta to make sure it was okay. He could sense that this could potentially be a problem area with Lottie gluing to him however he still felt this normalcy with the situation. Peta nodded her head letting him know it was okay. They spent the next 45 minutes  feeding the ducks and letting Lottie and Louis run around and burn off some steam. Maks showed Peta where the playground was for the future if she ever brought Lottie alone.  "Momma." Lottie whined as she appeared next to Peta's feet. She and Louis had been running around and playing while Maks and Peta watched on.  "What's wrong baby? Are you hungry?" Peta said knowingly. She leaned down and scooped her munchkin up. She saw that it was 7:16 which was quite past their normal dinner time. "Do we want to head to pizza?" Maks said calling Louis over to him.  "Yeah, she's probably starving. We snacked on some stuff however it's way past when we usually eat dinner. "It's actually really close and they are really quick." Maks said as he snapped Louis's leash on and they headed out. Peta managed to distract Lottie as they walked by showing her all the shops and people walking on the streets. There was also a lot of art and decor to look at. Little Maks listened with admiration at what a good mother she was. Once they arrived at the pizza place, he went up and ordered after discussing with Peta. She kept Lottie and Louis with her. Maks came back with a number and drinks.  "Here baby, here's your milk." Peta said handing Lottie the milk that Maks had brought back. Lottie took it gratefully and settled back into her mother as she waited for her dinner. They had argued again over who was paying for dinner. Maks won the argument saying that it was basically like his casserole dish to his new neighbor. Peta eventually relented but mainly because Lottie was getting hangry and she didn't want to be dealing with her temper tantrum in the midst of the restaurant.  "They said less than 10 minutes." He said pouring Louis some water in a dish he had pulled out of his pocket. Peta looked at him strangely. "It's a portable bowl. Basically folds up and smushes."  "Oh. I've never....but you were right, they are fast."  "Yeah, and delicious. It's been my favorite since I've been here."  "How long have you been here?"  "2 years."  "And what brought you here?" Peta said as the pizza arrived. She got Lottie's pizza cut up into bite sized pieces with some salt cheese before she helped her get situated and started on her own slice. "Well, my family owns dance studios and we opened one down here. We went through 3 managers before deciding we just needed a family member to stay there for awhile and manage things until we got their feet off the ground. My brother was at the start of his career and so I was the one nominated. It was only supposed to be here for 6 months until we got some good management in and got things flowing however it's been 2 years and I'm still here."  "Why?" Peta asked perplexed.  "I don't know, I just kind of fell in love with the area and culture. I go to visit my parents usually twice a year and then my brother as well."  "Interesting. What kind of studio do you have?"  "Our initial theme was ballroom for adults however recently we've started adding children's classes as well as minimal ballet and tap. Ballroom is the main focus though."  "Ohh, I honestly wouldn't have pegged you for a dancer. I'm assuming if you help manage a dance studio that you dance."  "I do, I've been in quite the number of competitions and yeah.... How about you? Have you ever danced?" Peta instantly froze and her face went white. Her brain started to fly on what needed to come out of her mouth. Lottie however distracted the whole situation by letting out a disgruntled whine.  "What's wrong baby?" Peta said looking at her daughter. She realized she had finished off her pizza so before she turned her around she wiped her face and hands quickly, earning her a second whine. Peta turned her into her so that she could talk to her. "Aks, want aks." She whimpered as she rubbed her eyes. She twisted against Peta trying to turn to look at Maks. Peta caught the eye rub and knew what the majority of the issue was. "Someone is sleepy I see. Baby, Mr. Maks is eating his pizza like you were, why don't you snuggle with Momma?" Peta tried to suggest.  "No, aks, Lottie want aks."  "I can take her Peta, I don't mind." Maks said softly.  "I...." Peta hesitated again. She couldn't throw her child at the random neighbor even though they had spent a lot of time together that day. Her child who was currently a hot mess as well. "Akssss." She fussed again.  "Come here Lottie." Maks said seeing Peta's struggle at just passing her child off to him. Once she was in Maks's arms, she buried into his chest and settled some.  "Lily." She mumbled into his chest as she got situated. "She's going to fall asleep on you." Peta said softly as she found the stuffed kitten in the bag as well as Lottie's blanket. She passed the objects over to Maks. He gave Lottie the kitten and then wrapped the blanket around her shoulders. His hand mindlessly rubbed her back. "Honestly, I don't mind. As long as you're okay with it. I grew up around a lot of children and I helped as much as I could. I actually miss this feeling to be honest. And when I teach at the studio I usually do the minis. She's good, I promise, like I said, as long as you're okay with it."  "I think she misses her dad." Peta said looking out into the street.  "Can I.......?" Maks asked unsure if he could step that far into the boundaries.  "He passed away about 3 months ago. 97 days to be exact." She whispered as her eyes filled with tears.  "I'm sorry." Maks said softly as he rested his hand on hers. She however jumped and moved her hand away as quickly as she could.  "I....I'm sorry." She muttered once she realized what she had done.  "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have touched you. It's obviously still really fresh." Maks said gently as Lottie  took that final deep breath and snuggled into Maks. She was officially out.  "It is. I just, yeah."  "Do you want to go?" Maks gestured towards the table since they had clearly stopped eating in the midst of everything.  "Yeah, I should get her into bed. I know this whole experience has been a lot on her. I need to work into getting back into her routine." "She seems to have a great mother though. I know from experience routine is important but the mother thing and solid base, that's pretty high on the list." Maks said gently as he stood up easily to not wake up Lottie.  "I'm trying. We've had some support up until recently but they all had to return to their lives and homes, understandably."  "I think you're doing a great job. And I know you're here and new and all of  this is overwhelming. But I hope you know that I'm just right next door if you need anything. I won't overstep or be demanding but you can just know I'm here."  "You don't even know me." Peta said softly as they started their walk. She had taken Louis's leash and the bag since he had her daughter.  "I don't, and you could be the exact opposite of any person that I would usually associate with but I can't explain it. I feel the need to....not so much as protect or help you but just to be there. And not in anyway more than friends. And I know that's probably more than you can handle right now but so I just want you to know I'm here. I'm sure there's going to be times when you don't know where things are or just need an ear. Just don't hesitate to reach out. And not because you aren't competent but just because I know it's overwhelming. And it's just you and Lottie here and sometimes you need more than 2 year old rambling."  "Maks....." She trailed off as they arrived at their houses.  "I'm sorry. That was a lot and it's your first day here. You haven't known me for more than 12 hours and yeah. I just, just know I'm here. And I'm not a creeper or a murder or any of the above."  "Don't those people always say they aren't those people?" Peta said with a partial smirk.  "Ummm, I guess so." He said with a grin.  "Exactly. But thank you. I do appreciate it. I can't promise that I'll follow through namely because I'm slightly stubborn and just kind of a hot mess lately but I'll try to remember it." She said with a gentle grin as she watched him.  "That's all I ask. And I have a good feeling, this one will remind you of where the doggy and aks lives." Maks said as Lottie shifted into him.  "You're good with her. Thank you for that. I can take her now. I have a feeling you are correct though, she's attached to you both quickly." Peta said as the two switched Lottie into Peta's arms. Maks followed her up the stairs to help her with the door.  "She's easy to handle. She's a sweetheart. I meant it when I said you're doing a great job with her. I haven't been around her that much but kids her age can't fake a personality much." Maks said.  "Thank you, that means a lot. Honestly. And thank you for earlier or well all of today. For both of us. It's nice to know we do have someone nice on our side."  "You definitely do. Like I said, anytime, I'm right there." "Thank you. Goodnight Maks."  "Goodnight Peta."  **That's a wrap on this update. Probably moved a little quicker than normal life but have you ever met someone and just knew that they were safe and you could trust them and they were put there for a reason in your life. That's kind of what I want to go for with this, in a Nicholas Sparks style. I hope you all enjoyed this! Don't forget to like it up and let me know what you thought in the comments.  Also, I know I keep promising I'm going to get my stuff together and write more and it keeps not happening but I promise it will. I'm getting there. Family life and obligations are slowing down and I'll have more time to do some writing. Thank you for holding this out for me.

#chmergatroyd #chmergatroyd fanfics #chmergatroyd fanfiction #chmergs #maks and peta #maksim chmerkovskiy #peta murgatroyd #begin again #alternate universe

[sarahjane0886]

Begin Again - Teaser

"So what brings a nice lady like you and this precious angel to Chattanooga so late at night?" "New beginnings. We're moving here and the moving van is on it's way. Our flight was delayed." "Well, sounds like you've gotten off to a bit of a rough start." "You could say that." "Well, this is a nice city. And the people are nice. Very welcoming and helpful. Once you get settled, I'm sure things will get better. And worst case, you have that little one there to keep your spirits up." "Oh, for sure. She's my saving grace." "I wouldn't doubt that for a second. We're here. I'll get your suitcase though. You have your hands full with that one." "Thank you." Peta said softly as she shifted her daughter in her arms and got out of the car. "You have a good night ma'am. I hope things get smoother for you." The Uber driver said as he pulled the suitcase out of the trunk. He pulled the handle up and smiled gently. His eyes twinkled with his smile reminding Peta slightly of what one would envision Santa would look like. "Thank you. You have a good night as well." Peta smiled in return before heading into the hotel. She checked in and dismissed the desk clerk's offer for help to her room. If anything these past 3 months had taught her that she needed to learn how to do things on her own. She headed to their room for the next 3 nights and got ready to put Charlotte into the bed. "Momma..." A tiny voice murmured as Peta tucked Charlotte into the covers. She reached for her baby's blanket and made sure it was within reach. "Shhh Lottie, you're safe. Momma's right here. I'll lay down with you soon." Peta said gently as she ran her fingers through the little girls dark black locks. "Lily?" She whined gently searching for her tiny stuffed cat from her father. "She's right here baby. Shh, go back to sleep, sweet heart." Peta said handing the little girl the stuffed animal. Once she had the blanket and kitten in her grasp, her eyes closed and she drifted back off. Peta stayed close for a little while longer before heading to shower quickly. She knew that once Charlotte woke the next morning, it would be a busy day so she needed to take this time now while she had it. She stood under the heat of the spray as her evening ritual took over and sobs racked her body. "Oh Ollie, why....why? Oh how I miss you." She said as she sank to the floor of the shower letting the tears stream down her cheeks. Like always she let the tears fall in the safety of the shower, away from the world, and away from Charlotte. Once she calmed down, she finished her shower and grabbed an old t-shirt and shorts before brushing her teeth. That was when she heard her daughter's whimpers again. "Momma, Momma, Momma." The little one sobbed. Peta appeared quickly and scooped her baby up into her arms. Charlotte's arms went around her mother's neck as her tears hit Peta's collar bone. "Ohhh baby, I'm right here. Shhh, I have you, you're safe. I know we're in a new place and it's scary but I promise, Momma's here. I'll keep you safe." Peta said as she swayed them back and forth. Eventually Charlotte's sobs died off and Peta thought she was asleep. She started to move back over to the bed when she was interrupted. "Tell daddy Night?" Her tiny voice said ruining those thoughts. "Baby, you told him goodnight already." Peta explained. "Again? Peas?" "Alrighty, hang on." Peta said as she pressed her lips to her daughter's hair. She walked over to the window and pulled back the curtains. She shifted Charlotte so she could see out the window. "Go ahead baby." "Night daddy. Love you." She said before blowing a kiss toward the stars making Peta's eyes fill with tears. "Daddy loves you too princess. Always and forever." Peta said as she felt Charlotte start to drift. She moved them over to the bed and laid down allowing Charlotte to stay tucked into her body. She said her own good nights before drifting off to sleep with a silent prayer that some how, things would start to get easier. **Okay loves, this is up to you. I can keep going or ditch it. I have some ideas with this but I'll only continue if you all want me too. It's going to be alternate universe for our faves with some givens tied in. Like it up, let me know what you think, and we'll see how it goes! Love you all!

#chmergatroyd fanfiction #chmergatroyd #chmergs #chmergatroyd fanfics #maks chmerkovskiy #peta murgatroyd #maks and peta

[sarahjane0886]

A Time to Grow 85

Chapter 85 - Never Grow Up 

Your little hand's wrapped around my finger And it's so quiet in the world tonight Your little eyelids flutter cause you're dreaming So I tuck you in, turn on your favorite night light To you everything's funny, you got nothing to regret I'd give all I have, honey If you could stay like that

"There you are." Maks said finding his wife curled up on the back porch swing.

"How is she?" Peta said as she moved what she was looking through and waited for Maks to sit beside her. He did and she automatically shifted into his body as his arm wrapped around her holding him tight.

"Pretty sure she's going to cry herself to sleep but she's calmer than when we came home. She's got Addie's sweater and she's curled up with a movie and Sampson." Maks said softly.

"I can't say I blame her." Peta whispered.

"Me either. It's going to get easier." Maks said as his hand coasted up and down his wife's back.

"I guess." Peta said as tears filled her eyes again. He decided he'd go with distraction rather than fixing it. This wasn't one of those fixable things.

"What were you looking at?" He said motioning to whatever was next to her.

"Addie's scrapbook." Peta said reaching for it and pulling it over to them.

"Babe, is that helpful?" Maks said chuckling as he shifted them so she could open the book.

"Yes and no but look." Peta said pointing to one of the first memories in the book. The picture was one that Maks had taken of Peta and Addie a few months after her first birthday.

"Oh I remember that day. I came home from everything at the studio that day and couldn't find you two." Maks said smiling thinking back.

"Oh, sweet pea, you're supposed to be sleeping now." Peta said softly as she rocked her tiny girl in the rocker one night. Maks had some things to do at the studio in preparation for the Summer Invitational so she was on bedtime duty on her own. Addie had other ideas about her bedtime though.

"Ma, Book?" Addie asked as she snuggled into her mother. She wasn't fussy or upset or anything, she just seemingly wanted cuddled. Not that Peta minded but it was late and she knew that no matter what time Addie went to sleep she was going to still wake up early, therefore giving her and Maks a grumpy Addie for the next day.

"Sweetheart, its sleepy time." Peta said gently. She had already read her four books.

"Peas?" Addie said as she fluttered her eyelashes at her mother. Peta looked at her for a moment and decided to say screw it. Her baby was only going to be little for so long and she needed to enjoy those moments while she had them. They could deal with grumpies tomorrow when it came.

"Go ahead and pick one sweet pea, but then it's snuggles and sleeps okay?" Peta said smiling as Addie's eyes lit up and she squirmed until Peta put her down. She toddled over to the bookstand and found Goodnight Moon before bringing it to Peta.

"Nigh Moon." She said as she snuggled back into her mother's embrace. Peta handed her Bunny and Blankie and curled her in tight. Addie gripped one of her fingers as well. It had been a new thing she started recently whenever they taught her pinky promises. She didn't quite understand them yet but it was oh so cute. It then translated into her wanting to hold one of their fingers when she was sleepy.

"Goodnight Moon, it's one of your favorites huh sweet pea." Peta said pressing a kiss to her head before getting them situated. She began to read, she went slowly at first and noticed Addie's eyes drooping by the end and decided to just repeat it. By the end of that time, Addie was out. Peta set the book on the end table and put some music on. She decided she'd just enjoy these moments for a bit. She closed her eyes and just snuggled Addie in as they rocked.

Maks arrived home around that time and started to search through the house for his wife and daughter. Normally Addie went to bed an hour ago so Peta was usually in the living room or on the porch. He didn't find her any of those places though so he headed to Addie's room to make sure there wasn't anything wrong. And the sight he walked in on completely melted his heart. Peta was holding Addie tightly to her as they rocked slowly. Peta's head was resting on Addie's while Addie held tightly to Bunny & Blankie as well as gripped Peta's finger. The finger thing made him grin, he had been the one who started the pinky promises with her. The sight was just something that was beautiful to Maks. So he decided he'd run the risk and take a picture of the two before moving over to his wife. He snapped a few before getting one he liked and then headed over to his girls.

"Pretty girl." He said in a whisper as he bent down next to her.

"Hi handsome." She said as her eyes opened.

"Extra cuddles tonight?" He said as stroked Addie's curls lightly.

"Yeah, she was just in a lovey mood. I was going to fight with her to sleep but then I decided it wasn't worth it." Peta said as she watched her daughter's eyes flutter gently in her sleep. She must have been dreaming.

"I understand that one. She's growing up too fast." Maks said as he pressed a kiss to her head.

"Yes she is. So after she needed cuddles and fell asleep, I decided I needed cuddles, so I just kept her." Peta said sheepishly.

"Nothing wrong with that." Maks said as he stood up and kissed Peta as well.

"Let me tuck her in and then I'll come with you. I may need some of your cuddles too." Peta said with a wink. She stood up and tucked Addie in making sure she kept bunny and Blankie before gently easing her finger out of her daughter's grasp. She turned on her bunny nightlight. She tucked her favorite sleeping blanket from her Aunt Sharna around her before leaning down to kiss her goodnight. Maks did the same and the two headed out of the room.

"I wasn't ready for this Maksim." Peta said as she burrowed into his shoulder.

"We had 18 years, pretty girl. But I'll have to admit, I didn't think today was going to be as hard on me as it was. I had planned on keeping it together for you and Clara. However, telling her goodbye did me in." Maks said. They had moved Addie into her dorm for her first semester of college that afternoon and it had hit the close knit family super hard. Clara had cried the whole hour drive home while Peta had barely kept it together. Maks had ended up walking away from the group as they were saying their see you laters since Addie had deemed it out of line to say goodbye. Needless to say, this first night without their baby under their roof was going to be a hard one.

"It's going to get better." She whispered quietly as pressed her lips to his chest.

"Exactly." Maks said as he kissed her head.

Oh darling, don't you ever grow up Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little Oh darling, don't you ever grow up Don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart And no one will desert you Just try to never grow up, never grow up

"Look at that one." Maks said deciding to distract them. He saw a picture of a 3 year old Addie standing next to a 4 year old Kalen on his birthday at the jump park in the city.

"Oh my god. I thought you were going to kill that little boy that day." Peta said as she started to laugh remembering that day.

"Well, don't mess with my baby." Maks said laughing as he thought on that day as well.

"He was 4!"

"Manners baby!"

"Oh my god." Peta said laughing as she thought back to that poor kid's face that day at the jump park.

"Momma, we jump?" Addie asked from her spot between her & Maks in the taxi on the way to Kalen's 4th birthday.

"Yes, we're going to jump sweet pea. There's going to be lots of trampolines and things to play on." Peta said smiling at her daughter.

"Baby Kelsi be there?"

"Yes, baby Kelsi is going to be there. I don't think she's going to be jumping though, she's too little."

"Oh, I give her hugs?"

"Of course you can. Remember we have to be gentle though, okay?"

"Otay. Papa you jump with me too?"

"Of course Addie Girl, we're all going to jump and then you can play with all the little kids too." Maks said. Nicole and Ilya had rented the jump park for the afternoon for Kalen's birthday. There was a trampoline zone as well as a bunch of inflatables that the kids could play on. They had invited kids from Kalen's kid group as well as family and friends. They had decided on renting out the place just for peace of mind as well as the fact that their group was so large.

"Tay." She said smiling happily. They pulled in then and headed into the building. They found Nicole and Ilya and said their hellos before moving to get their wristbands and learn the rules for the afternoon.

"K, sweet pea. Now, you can play but we need to make sure we can see you all the time." Peta explained as she helped Addie changed into the provided socks for the afternoon.

"Okay. I stay wif you and Papa. K?" She said as she hopped off the bench.

"Thank you baby." Peta said giving her a kiss.

"Now where are we going first miss?" Maks said taking her hand.

"To the lines!" She said dragging Maks and Peta over to the trampoline. They helped her on and began jumping with her. Maks helped her do some tricks and made her giggle. They spent the next hour playing around before they were all collected to do lunch, cake, & presents. Then they were turned back loose to play.

"Addie, you want to come play with me and Leo?" Kalen said as he took Addie's hand.

"Uhhh..." Addie said looking at Maks and Peta.

"You can play with them sweet pea. We'll be able to see you." Peta said encouraging her.

"Okay." Addie said as Leo took her other hand and they ran off to the trampolines next to the ball pit. Maks and Peta followed so they could stay near Addie. The kids were having a great time however Leo was being a little rougher than Maks would have like.

"Maks. Just wait." Peta said catching her husband's hand. Leo had just gotten a little rougher with Addie than Maks was okay with.

"But...." Maks said growling.

"Wait, Addie is telling him. Just give her a moment." Peta said as she watched Addie tell Leo something with her hands on her hips.

"Anything else and I'm going." Maks said with a growl.

"Okay. Calm down baby. He's 4." Peta said reminding her over protective husband.

"And she's my baby." Maks said fiercely. At that moment Leo pushed Addie backwards into the ball pit. Kalen dove in after her and Maks took off. Peta was caught off guard for all of ten seconds before she took off after her husband. By the time she reached him, he was giving Leo the lecture of his life while Kalen helped Addie out of the ball pit. She came over with tears streaming down her cheeks as Peta scooped her up.

"Shhhh, its okay sweet pea. You're okay. I know that was scary but you're safe." Peta said consoling her daughter.

"Papa." She sobbed however Maks didn't hear her as he was stilling yelling at Leo.

"Maks." Nicole said appearing next to them. She had seen what had happened as well and came over as quickly as she could. He didn't hear her either. "Maks!"

"What?!" He said spinning around.

"Addie wants you. I got this."

"He needs to apologize." He growled.

"He's going to. Go see Addie." Nicole said pushing him away from Leo as she stepped in.

"Come here Addie Girl." Maks said taking her from his wife. She buried into her father's neck as she held tight to him.

"I telled him to be nice." She whimpered.

"I know baby, he needs to learn some manners. And how to treat people." Maks said angrily.

"Maks." Peta admonished. Addie just needed loves right then not Maks's protectiveness.

"It's alright Addie Girl. Let's go get a drink and take a mini break before we play some more. Momma and I will take you on the slide again okay?" Maks said diverting her attention to the inflatable slide she had loved so much earlier.

"Apple juice?" She murmured with a slight yawn.

"Sure." Maks said as he started over to the drink table with his baby. Peta followed. They calmed her down before they took her to play some more. Leo came and apologized at that point. Peta keeping Maks from going off on the little boy again. Eventually it was time to go home and have some naps.

"That poor little boy that day." Peta said laughing hard as she remembered Maks's face and him storming over to the ball pit.

"Damn kid needed a lesson in manners and how to treat a girl." He said grumpily in response.

"You've always been so protective handsome."

"She's my baby, they both are. Hell, you all are. But those two. I swear, if anyone ever hurts them. No matter how old they are, they are going to have to deal with me." He said intensely. Peta cracked up as she leaned in to kiss him. He was such a great dad.

You're in the car on the way to the movies And you're mortified your mom's dropping you off At 14 there's just so much you can't do And you can't wait to move out someday and call your own shots But don't make her drop you off around the block Remember that she's getting older too And don't lose the way that you dance around in your pj's getting ready for school Oh darling, don't you ever grow up Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little Oh darling, don't you ever grow up Don't you ever grow up, it could stay this simple No one's ever burned you, nothing's ever left you scarred And even though you want to, just try to never grow up

"Oh hell, I remember this one. I swear to god she hated me that day." Peta said pointing to a group picture of Addie with 4 of her best friends from 6th grade.

"Oh! I remember that fight. That was kind of the first time you two really fought." Maks said with wide eyes. He could see Peta and Addie yelling at each other in the hallway of the house that morning.

"Thank god it was one of our only ones. That was not fun." Peta said as she thought about that day.

"I can't believe you won't let me walk! You treat me like I'm Clara's age!" Addie screamed at Peta that day. She had just graduated from 6th grade the day before so she and a group of her friends were meeting at the movies.

"I don't understand why in the world you would even think that I would let you walk in the first place! We've never done that before, why in the world would we start now."

"Because I'm older! I'm 13! Why does my mom have to drop me off everywhere! I'm old enough to walk there."

"Right now you are acting like you're 4. So I suggest you either make a choice, let me take you or you can stay here and not go at all. You're choice Adeline." Peta said before walking away. Maks tried to catch her since he had been watching the fight from the kitchen however she waved him off and stormed out to the patio.

"She is being ridiculous Papa." Addie said turning and crossing her arms looking at him.

"Come here." Maks said beckoning his daughter to the kitchen.

"Are you going to lecture me too?" She said sassily.

"I was going to talk to you like an adult however if you want to continue the way you just acted with your mother, I will second her statement and you can spend the rest of the day in your room." Maks said sternly.

"Sorry." Addie said sheepishly. Maks very rarely raised his voice or talked like that with her. In reality they very rarely had any issues with the young girl however she did have her moments.

"It's okay. However, we need to talk about what just happened in there with your mother." Maks said as he leaned against the counter and watched his girl.

"I....I just wanted her to drop me off around the block. No one else gets dropped off right there or picked up right there. Their parents trust them that it's safe."

"Okay, first off. I could start with telling you that I guarantee you that not all those girls get dropped off around the block. I know for a fact Grace doesn't and I'm quite certain Lily doesn't either. You all may just get dropped off at different places of the theatre but I can guarantee you their parents don't drop them off and let them walk."

"Well, they told me they do."

"And have they ever lied to you before?"

"Not Grace."

"Okay, well Grace may have been doing what you were doing and been trying to look cooler."

"I wasn't..." Addie said but Maks stopped her.

"You were. I get it, trust me I do. It's okay to want to fit in, but it doesn't give you the right to yell at your mother."

"But she wouldn't listen to me."

"Because you were screaming at her. You know very well that if you scream at either of us no matter the reason, it is not going to get you very far."

"Fine." She said with a huff.

"And furthermore, you forget that as much as you hate it, you are our baby. And sometimes we need to hang on to that for a little bit longer than you're wanting us too. We aren't ready for you to grow up baby."

"But I can't stay little forever Papa." She said looking at him.

"I know, your mom knows, we all know however there's little things like this that really aren't that big of a deal in reality."

"But Christel says it's childish for our parents to drop us off."

"Do you agree?"

"I don't know. I really don't care. I don't mind Mom. She doesn't embarrass me." Addie said with a sigh.

"Exactly. So you need to be the cooler person and say that it's okay for her to drop you off. That it's cool to have a mom who you can hang with and not be embarrassed of." Maks said.

"You're right." Addie said softly.

"Now there's someone else you need to talk to." Maks said nodding towards the patio.

"Do I have too?" She said with a grimace.

"Addie Girl." Maks said laughing. He moved over to give her a hug.

"I know, I know. I'm going." She said hugging him back.

"One day, you'll believe us when we say we want to keep you little forever for many reasons."

"I know. It's just hard sometimes."

"We get it baby, we do. You just have to keep the sass at a lower level." Maks said hugging her once last time.

"I'll try papa." She said giving his cheek a kiss.

"Thank you. Now go talk to your mom." Maks said pushing her towards the patio. He watched as she slowly went out and leaned on the door frame before making her way towards Peta.

"Papa?" Clara's voice echoed from beside him.

"Yes little one?"

"Are they done fighting?" She asked with wide eyes. Maks chuckled and scooped her up before setting on her on the counter.

"They are. Addie just wanted to be a big girl and Momma wasn't ready for that."

"Oh. I'll stay your little one always okay?" Clara said hugging him.

"Thank you baby, I'll keep you that way. I'll have to take you to Never, Neverland so you won't grow up." He said tickling her and making her giggle.

"Can I meet Tink?" She said with wide eyes making Maks laugh. He could also hear laughter from the porch so he knew everything had went okay out on the porch as well.

"You never told me that part about Clara." Peta said as Maks talked about that day.

"I think we were so focused on you and Addie that we just let it be. It was definitely so cute though." Maks said smiling.

"Papa." Clara's voice came from the doorway.

"Hey little one, I thought you were watching your movie?" He asked looking up at her.

"I miss Addie." She said as her eyes filled with tears.

"Us too. Come here sweetheart." Maks said calling her over. She came over and settled on the other side of Maks with Sampson at her heels.

"Can't she just go to college at our house?"

"Well, that would defeat the purpose of college, little one."

"Well, but...I like when she's in the next room." Clara said with a huff.

"I know, but I promise it's going to get better. Remember she promised you she'd set aside weekends for you so you two could still have time. And you can text and facetime and call her. She's coming back next weekend for your meet remember?"

"I know...but still." She said grumpily as she just buried into Maks a little more mimicking her mother on the other side of his body.

Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room Memorize what it sounded like when your dad gets home Remember the footsteps, remember the words said And all your little brother's favorite songs I just realized everything I have is someday gonna be gone

"Maybe this will help." Maks said pulling the scrapbook closer to Clara.

"What is it?"

"Our family scrapbook." Maks said allowing her to flip through some of the pages.

"Whoa! We haven't looked at this forever. I didn't even know you still put pictures in it Mom." Clara said excitedly.

"Oh yeah, I definitely kept it up. I have some special ones in the house like our family trips and holidays but this was just simple memories. Papa and I were flipping through it because I was wishing your sister was still little again."

"Me too. Let's take her to Never, Neverland." Clara said making Maks laugh. She looked at him in confusion. "What?"

"We were just talking about a time when Addie and your Mom were fighting and I told you that you couldn't grow up and that I was taking you there. You were just excited to meet Tink."

"I love Tink."

"We know buttercup." Peta said with a wink making Clara scrunch her nose at her.

"Too bad it wasn't a real place." Clara said with a sigh as she flipped through the book.

"Yeah, that would be awesome."

"When was Addie's room all in the Tangled?!" Clara said as she flipped to a picture of her sister's room when it was done in full Tangled style.

"Probably when she was 3 or 4? Right Maks?" Peta said as she looked at the picture.

"I think so."

"Wow, I didn't know she had a whole room like that. Or that you took pictures of our rooms mom." Clara said as she saw her Little Mermaid room, Addie's flower room, her kitten room, and then their rooms they had now.

"I figured it would end up being something that we wouldn't always remember and it was a special part of the stages that made you guys you."

"This is from that time Papa went to help Baba after Deda's surgery isn't it?" Clara said as she found a photo of her and Addie holding a Welcome Home sign. Sasha had to have knee surgery when Clara was 4 and Maks ended up going to stay with his parents for 10 days while his dad initially recovered. At that time it was the longest the family had been apart and the girls were so excited for Maks to come home.

"It is. You two were so excited that day. I ended up letting Addie skip school because I knew there was no way for her to concentrate."

"You helped us bake that cake we burned before we went to the bakery and just bought cupcakes instead."

"Clara!" Peta said laughing.

"What?! It's what happened!"

"Yeah, but we never told your father that!" Peta said as she was laughing so hard that tears were falling down her cheeks.

"I knew you didn't make those!" Maks said as he looked at his wife indignantly. She and Addie had convinced him that by some miracle their welcome home cupcakes had turned out amazingly. Maks had doubted it ever since. Addie could could however it always seemed if Peta was near the kitchen it spelled disaster.

"Damn it. Well we had you believing it for 8 years." Peta said giggling as she wiped her eyes.

"Sorry momma!" Clara giggled some more before they continued through the book. Maks and Peta told Clara stories about the two of them that she hadn't heard before or didn't remember. There was the time that her and Addie had gotten into a tub of sugar and covered the kitchen in the sweet sugar. The day they had surprised the girls with Sampson. And when Clara had her first gymnastics meet the same day as Addie's dance competition but they managed to surprise Clara with Addie and Peta making it for her final event and awards.

So here I am in my new apartment In a big city, they just dropped me off It's so much colder that I thought it would be So I tuck myself in and turn my night light on Wish I'd never grown up I wish I'd never grown up

"Think there's room on that swing for me?" A voice came from the doorway. They all looked and saw Addie standing there in her pajama pants and hoodie. Her hair was tied up on her head and it was clear she had attempted bed.

"Addie!" Clara said jumping up and nearly tackling her sister. Sampson followed behind his ears flapping with his scampers.

"Hey Clar." Addie said holding her sister tightly.

"I'm so glad you're back." Clara whispered.

"Me too. Hey Sampson." Addie said bending down to pet their dog.

"Baby, is everything alright?" Maks said as he and Peta stood up looking at their daughter in concern.

"I'm okay. I just, I wasn't ready, and I needed one more night with you guys." She said sheepishly.

"Not that I'm not happy to see you sweetheart but you have orientation in the morning." Peta said as she moved over to hug her daughter.

"I know, I have to be back at 10 but I just...I needed one last official night here in my bed." She said clinging to Peta for a bit longer.

"Alright." Maks said moving over to his girl as well and pulling her in tight.

"Tomorrow, I'll grow up okay?" She said as she held tight to her parents for a moment. Truth be told she had gotten everything situated and was fully prepared for this new chapter in her book. However when she went to settle down for the night, she couldn't fight the homesickness. So after a huge mental battle she had decided to return home for one last night. Thankfully her college was only 25 minutes away. However when you really hadn't been away from home 25 minutes suddenly becomes oceans apart.

"Alright, but you always remember, no matter what, you never have to grow up with us. We'll always be here to catch you or back you up when you need." Peta said kissing her cheek and rubbing her back.

"Thanks mom." Addie said as she rested her head on her mother's shoulder.

"Let's show Addie the book." Clara said as she reached for her sister's hand and pulled her to the swing. The family settled down and started going through the book again, squeezing in one last night before Addie officially went off to college in the morning, for real this time.

**Hope you guys loved this one. This was a fun one to write for sure. I love doing the little snippets of this family. And to be quite honest, the thought of Addie in college chokes me up as well as silly as that sounds. Don't forget to like this one up and let me know what you thought in the comments. Love you guys. Thank you so much for keeping this story alive and allowing me to write this family for so long.

#chmergatroyd #chmergatroyd fanfiction #chmergatroyd fanfics #chmergs #Maksim Chmerkovskiy #peta murgatroyd #maks and peta #a time to grow

[sarahjane0886]

The Road to Us 27

Book 4 - Fully A Family - Chapter 3 - Doctor Visits

Pregnancy - Week 32

"You ready pretty girl?" Maks said looking across the room at his clearly anxious wife. She was watching out the picture window as her fingers mindlessly stroked her growing belly. She didn't even hear him  so he moved over and settled down next to her. She still didn't move which worried him that much more.

"P." He said once more making her jump and look at him.

"Maks." She said looking at him in shock that he was now sitting next to her.

"I called you sweetheart. Where's your head at?" He said as he reached for her hand giving it a light squeeze.

"I don't know. I'm just worried about this appointment. I don't know why but I just feel like something is going to happen." She said looking at him in concern. She was at the point in the pregnancy where she was being switched to weekly appointments and scans each week. Typically it was a few more weeks before that happened however since she was carrying twins, it was a higher risk so  they started things early. It was nerve wracking but comforting at the same time.

"Like what pretty girl? I mean I don't doubt your intuition but at the same time, what are you thinking?" He said keeping his eyes on hers.

"I don't know. I keep trying to figure it out but I just...I can't really explain it but I just feel like something is going to go wrong." She said and he could see her getting more and more worked up as she went on.

"Okay, okay. Breathe." He said pulling her into his body and just holding her.

"Nothing can happen Maks." She muttered into him as she gripped his body.

"I know, I know. I can't promise you that nothing won't happen but I can promise you that I'm not going anywhere. I'm right here with you. We'll get through all of this together." He said holding her tightly and pressing a kiss to her head.

"Promise?" She said weakly.

"Promise." He said with conviction.

"We have to go." She said after they had sat there for a little bit longer.

"We do." He said as he stood up and helped her up as well. He led them out to the car and the ride to the doctor's office was filled with quiet contemplation as Peta's head still spun on the feeling that she just couldn't shake and Maks worried about what was going to go on in this appointment. They got themselves signed in and settled into the waiting room seats as they waited for it to be their turn. Peta still wasn't speaking and Maks knew better than to push her. He simply wrapped his arm around her shoulders and held her as they waited.

"Peta Chmerkovskiy." The nurse called out once it was their turn. The two stood and Maks slipped his hand into Peta's as they followed the nurse back to the room. She had Peta settle on the exam table after weighing her and then did her blood pressure and everything else. Maks saw a look of concern flash across the nurse's face when she took Peta's blood pressure but he refused to let it get to him. Finally they were left alone to wait for Dr. Salts.

"Pretty girl." Maks said moving to stand in front of his wife. He reached for both of her hands and ran his thumbs across the back of her hands.

"I'm sorry." She said finally looking at him for the first time since they had left the house.

"No, no sorries pretty girl. I know I can't fix this and I can't take away this fear but I need you to take some deep breaths. For you and for Joe & Ella. I need you to breath." He said as he watched her eyes search his for a moment. Then she nodded and took a few deep breaths and he could see her settle just a tiny bit. It wasn't as much as he'd have liked but he knew he needed to take what he could get right now.

"Hello you two." Dr. Salts said entering the room with the ultrasound tech next to her.

"Hi." They both said as Maks dropped one of Peta's hands but kept a firm grasp on the other.

"How are you doing?" The kind older lady said smiling at the couple. She had always loved seeing their love for each other.

"Okay. I mean pregnancy wise, I'm good. I'm a bit nervous but that's nothing new when I come here." Peta admitted sheepishly.

"Yeah, it's understandable. So far everything looks to be on point with the exception of your blood pressure."

"What's wrong with her blood pressure?" Maks asked concerned immediately as he felt Peta's grip on him become slack and he could almost feel her admitting defeat to the nerves within her.

"It's slightly higher than it normally is at this point. Usually we end up taking her blood pressure twice at visits which you are both accustom to and usually the appointment nerves settle as the appointment goes on. However this time its higher than it's ever been which concerns me because we need to be careful with preeclampsia especially since the risk is higher when you're carrying twins."

"What do we need to do?" Peta asked and Maks could nearly see the color drain from her face. It was basically her worst nightmare coming true.

"We're going to draw blood and do a few other tests and then we'll proceed with the appointment. Then we'll go from there. If you do have the preeclampsia it's nothing that you did Peta. It happens, it's common actually especially in pregnancies with multiples. We'll just have to monitor you extra closely if it turns out you do have it and it may require some bed rest on your end." Dr. Salts said trying to settle the younger woman's fears.

"Okay. I'll do whatever you need me too." Peta said nodding her head.

"Okay, let's let Becca do your blood draw, we can get that started at the lab and then one other test, basically it's going to test for protein in your urine. Then we'll move on to the more fun part and get a look at how those babies are growing."

"Sounds good." Maks said moving to Peta's side knowing how she felt about the whole blood draw thing. He moved to the other side than what they usually used to draw the blood and got her to focus on him rather than what the tech was doing. They then did her other sample before he helped her get settled on the exam table so they could do the ultrasound.

"Alrighty, so this is your little girl." Dr. Salts said once Becca got everything going and they began the ultrasound.

"Ella." Maks whispered lightly as he watched the movements of his baby girl on the screen.

"Miss Ella. She seems to be doing good. She is in a good position, head down and she's growing right on point. Her heart, bladder, & lungs are also right on point. She is 12.6 inches right now and is coming in at about 3.1 lbs. which is slightly under normal but for twins that's perfect. Now on to her brother."

"Joe." Peta told Dr. Salts smiling.

"Joe. Well he looks like he is going to be our trouble maker. Just like his sister, everything is developing right. He's about 13.1 inches right now & 3.3 lbs. However, he is still head up which could potentially be an issue. Especially because typically twins don't tend to rotate much at this point."

"So what would we need to do?" Maks asked as they both continued to watch the babies movements on the screen.

"Well if he doesn't flip we could possibly need to do a c-section which is something that's always a higher possibility in multiple births as well and we've talked about that. Now if you end up with preeclampsia it's definitely something we may need to look into scheduling." Dr. Salts said with a serious yet comforting tone to her voice.

"Alright, so when will we decide that?" Peta asked as she took the towel from Becca to clean her belly as they finished up the ultrasound.

"We'll be able to talk more about things once we get the results back from the blood/urine samples. Then we'll know if we need to do anything further or anything at the moment. So unfortunately I'm going to have to ask you two to just wait it out a little longer. I'm going to check in with the lab and see if they can rush your results and then we can go from there." Dr. Salts said apologetically.

"We can handle that." Maks said as the two left the room. He turned to look at Peta who still had a hold on his hand. "P."

"Maks..." She said softly and he could see the tears already in her eyes.

"Shhh, I know beautiful. I know. I'm right here." He said moving forward to just hold her. He just stood there with her for a few minutes until he could feel her calm down and then just stay tucked into him.

"What if something happens?" She said into his chest.

"Well, we just have to believe that it won't. We know that Dr. Salts is going to keep a close eye on you and the babies, she is going to do what's in everyone's best interest. And she told us at our last appointment that while they'd have to stay in the NICU to grow some that if for some reason they would need to come early, they would be safe at this point."

"But I don't want them to have to go through that."

"I don't either pretty girl, I don't want that for our babies and I don't want that for us but if that's what is going to keep them and you safe them I'm willing to go along with it. We don't know that that's going to happen though. Maybe it won't be the preeclampsia just yet."

"Maybe, but I just felt it earlier Maks, I knew."

"I know, you're usually pretty on point with that stuff." He said knowingly.

"I wish I wasn't." She said chuckling slightly into him. He laughed a bit as well and just continued to hold her until there was a knock at the door. He kissed her head and then released her body but took one of her hands into his.

"Come in." He said.

"I'm back you two." Dr. Salts said entering the room with some paperwork and Peta's chart.

"What did you find out?" Maks said as he felt Peta's hand tighten around his.

"Well unfortunately it does look like you have the initial signs of preeclampsia so we are going to have to start monitoring you more closely."

"What else do I need to do?" Peta said as she felt like her whole world was beginning to crumble.

"Well for this week I want to put you on partial bed rest. You can do very little but I want you down and resting 90% of the time. Feet up, resting, and not a lot of excitement. Just focus on keeping calm and relaxing. Let Maks take care of you and cater to you this week."

"I can do that. I promise." Peta said.

"I don't doubt that you will. And Maks, I'm making it your job to ensure that she really does it. We'll see how it's going next week and then decide from there what we need to do, if we need to keep you on bed rest or if we can lift it at all. I'm going to say that you should plan to be on at least partial bed rest for the rest of the pregnancy."

"We can plan for that. And trust me, I won't let her lift a finger." Maks said causing Dr. Salts to laugh.

"If you were anyone else I'd assume you were just telling me that to give me peace of mind, however I know you at this point and I know that you aren't going to be moving a muscle for these next few weeks Peta."

"You won't have any complaints from me this time either. I want to keep these two in there as long as possible."

"That's going to be all our goals, so like I told you at our last appointment, if they would need to come now it would be okay. We would need to keep them in the NICU for awhile however their survival rate is extremely high at this point. Our goal is going to be 35 weeks though, that's basically when just about everything is developed and we consider twins to be full term. So that's going to be our goal.  Then if we can make it past that at all that will be great. However like I said if we don't, don't panic, we will do everything to keep you and these babies safe. We have practice in this so we know what to look for and what to do."

"Thank you." Peta said and Maks knew she was serious.

"You're welcome. Now we are going to start having you do non-stress tests each week along with your regular appointment & ultrasound. It will just ensure that the babies are still doing good in there and there's no fetal distress because that's ultimately what we don't want to happen."

"So I'll start that next week?"

"Actually I would like to do one today. I know we're already past you're appointment time but I would feel better running one of the tests today just to check on on both of them."

"Alright. So what do I need to do?" Peta asked.

"Well, we're going to move you rooms. We'll get you set up in a chair and get you hooked up to the monitors. Basically there is going to be a monitor that tracks each baby and then your uterus. You'll have a clicker and each time you feel one of them move you'll click the button and it'll record everything and then we'll be able to review it."

"I'll be able to stay with her?" Maks said suddenly finding his voice.

"Definitely. You can sit right next to her unless she prefers that you don't." Dr. Salts said winking at Peta.

"Well......hmmm." Peta said pretending to consider her options.

"Babe!" Maks said feigning shock.

"Teasing, teasing, you know I want you with me." Peta said as her face softened and she squeezed his hand.

"Okay, come on lovebirds. Let's get you into the other room." Dr. Salts said laughing as she escorted the two down to a different room. It was basically what they would call a discussion room. It had a couch and then a recliner chair as well as some other places to sit. Basically more for comfort than for doctors.

"So we just sit here?" Maks asked confused.

"Basically, yes. Becca is bringing the machine down. We'll get Peta all hooked up. We run the test for 40 minutes and then we'll review everything. As long as nothing comes back alarming we'll move forward with the plan we formed today where Peta goes on partial bed rest and we'll re-evaluate next week."

"Okay." Maks said nodding his head. Becca came in then and got Peta all hooked up and settled in the recliner chair. Maks took a seat next to her and she slipped her hand into his. Becca stayed for a bit to show Peta what she needed to do and then left the couple to sit for the rest of the test.

"How are you pretty girl?" Maks asked as his thumb stroked her hand.

"Scared but this helps." She said gesturing towards their joined hands. "How about you?"

"The same." He said as he gave her a weak smile. She returned the same look and they both fell quiet. They seemed to know that the next few weeks were going to be scary however they'd get through it together.

*That's a wrap on this one! I couldn't just go for the smooth birth lol. Don't forget to like this up and let me know what you thought in the comments. Ps. This update is actually happening on the right day, whoa! Love you guys, thanks for all the support!

#chmergatroyd #chmergatroyd fanfiction #chmergatroyd fanfics #chmergs #Maksim Chmerkovskiy #peta murgatroyd #maks and peta #fully a family #the road to us